Edited by Blue Economy Magazine
The Chairman of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Bayelsa State Chapter, Comrade Peter G. Omavie has reiterated the association’s plans to reposition automobile technicians in the state to benefit from the digital economy through the application of modern technology.
Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa on his return from Kano, where he attended the National Executive Council meeting, Comrade Omavie said the association is working toward establishing an Automobile Innovation & Training Centre. The centre will certify members in auto-diagnostics, hybrid/EV maintenance, and CNG conversion.
“Today’s vehicles are computers on wheels. If we remain only ‘roadside mechanics,’ we will be left by the roadside of history. We must upgrade to upgrade Bayelsa,” Omavie stated.
He announced the planned introduction of the “One Technician, One Scanner” initiative, a micro-credit scheme to equip workshops with modern diagnostic tools. The scheme will be implemented in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and financial institutions.
Picture: Comrade Peter G. Omavie
On collaboration, the new chairman pledged to work with the Bayelsa State Government, the Ministry of Transport, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police to combat fake spare parts and unsafe repairs.
He also proposed a Joint NATA-Government Taskforce on Vehicle Safety to carry out quarterly inspections of commercial vehicles.
“We are not asking for handouts. We are asking for a partnership. Give us policy support, and we will give you safer roads, more jobs, and higher internally generated revenue (IGR),” he said.
Omavie added that NATA intends to institute a Health & Life Insurance Scheme for registered members and engage the State Internal Revenue Board to end the harassment of technicians by illegal tax collectors
“We are not ‘mechanics.’ We are Automobile Technicians, professionals who keep Bayelsa moving,” he declared.
Also speaking, Elder Peter Dolor, a prominent member of the association, said NATA represents a diverse community of skilled technicians committed to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry.
