Larry Banks, a Nigerian automotive entrepreneur widely known as the Prince of Abuja, has warned that gaps in technical skills within Nigeria’s automotive sector require urgent attention as modern vehicles demand knowledge beyond conventional mechanical repairs.
His warning comes as the industry faces challenges around specialised technical competence, modern diagnostic equipment and practical training needed to work effectively on newer vehicle systems.
According to recent research into Nigeria’s automotive training environment, gaps in training facilities and technical resources continue to affect the practical preparation of motor vehicle mechanic graduates. The study identified weaknesses in digital infrastructure, instructional resources, workshop facilities and collaboration between training institutions and industry.
Another study examining automobile workshops in Kano found that technicians’ competence remained concentrated largely around conventional vehicle maintenance, while specialised electric vehicle diagnostic equipment and practical EV training remained limited.
It was against this backdrop that Larry Banks raised concerns about the ability of available automotive skills to keep pace with the technology now built into modern vehicles.
“The concern is not that we do not have people working on vehicles. The issue is making sure the skills available in the industry match the technology inside the vehicles people are driving today,” Larry said.
He said the skills question centres on how many technicians have the knowledge, equipment and practical exposure required to diagnose and service newer automotive systems correctly.
The challenge has become more significant as modern vehicles combine traditional mechanical components with electronic control units, sensors, software and computerised diagnostic systems, requiring technicians to understand how these systems interact.
Nigeria’s gradual exposure to electric, hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles is adding another layer to those technical requirements. A 2026 study examining Nigeria’s electric vehicle transition identified shortages in EV diagnostic and repair skills alongside limited access to specialised components and diagnostic equipment.
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Larry said these developments make continuous technical development necessary for professionals who want to remain effective as the vehicles they encounter become more sophisticated.
“You can have years of experience working on cars and still encounter a system that requires knowledge you did not need before. Experience remains valuable, but it has to grow alongside the technology,” he said.
The skills challenge has also attracted institutional attention. In August 2026, the National Automotive Design and Development Council introduced specialised training in vehicle mechatronics and CNG retrofitting for 300 technicians and youths across six states, with 50 participants selected from each state. The programme included practical training in vehicle diagnosis, servicing, repairs and maintenance.
Larry Banks believes interventions of this nature should be supported by a stronger culture of continuous professional development across the automotive industry.
“Training has to be continuous because the industry will not stop changing. Technicians need practical exposure to newer systems so they can understand what they are working with and apply that knowledge correctly,” Larry said.
His position draws on his experience through Auto Prince Technologies and Auto Centre Abuja, where his work has exposed him to different vehicle requirements and the technical demands associated with modern automotive services.
Beyond existing professionals, the Prince of Abuja believes stronger technical development could also create opportunities for young Nigerians seeking careers in the automotive sector, especially as new areas of expertise emerge around diagnostics and newer vehicle technologies.
He added that access to modern equipment must also be supported by people who understand how to use it, as technology alone cannot replace technical competence.
“Having modern equipment is important, but knowing how to use it correctly is what creates value. We need people who can understand the information these systems provide and apply that knowledge properly to the vehicle,” Larry added.
Larry Banks maintains that continuous professional development should become a stronger part of Nigeria’s automotive culture, giving technicians opportunities to update their knowledge as the vehicles entering the market change.
For the automotive entrepreneur, the priority is to develop a workforce whose expertise moves with the industry, ensuring that Nigerian technicians are equipped not only for the vehicles they service today but also for the technologies that will shape the market ahead.
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