Newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), in Bayelsa, Peter Omavie on Thursday pledged to deploy digital diagnostics tools to improve efficiency.
Omavie said he has a 3-point agenda focused on technology, collaboration, and welfare, promising to reposition auto technicians in the state for the digital economy.
Speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa after the elections, Omavie said the association would establish a NATA Bayelsa Innovation & Training Centre within 12 months to 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 in Bayelsa. We intend to introduce "One Technician, One Scanner” initiative, a micro-credit scheme to equip workshops with modern diagnostic tools, in partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and financial institutions," Omavie said.
On collaboration, the new chairman pledged to work with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Transport, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police to combat fake spare parts and unsafe repairs, just as he proposed a Joint NATA - Government Taskforce on Vehicle Safety for quarterly inspection 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 a higher internally generated revenue.
“We intend to institute a Health & Life Insurance Scheme for registered members and engage the State Internal Revenue Board to end harassment of technicians by illegal tax collectors. We are not ‘mechanics.’ We are Automobile Technicians, professionals who keep Bayelsa moving,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Electoral Committee, Peter Dolor, said the election was very peaceful, adding that NATA represents a diverse community of skilled technicians committed to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry.
Other members of the state executive include Sabestin Omenalom (Vice Chairman), Chijoke Collins (Secretary), Charles Adoke (Financial secretary),. Love Dighabo (Organising Secretary), Comr. Babawele Tunde (Treasurer)
Others are Emmanuel Okoh (PRO), Tarila Komboye (Provost), Obinna Okorokwo (Auditor), Ejike Nneji (Marshall 1) and Chisom Amaku (Marshall 2).
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