Newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Bayelsa State Chapter, Comrade Peter G. Omavie has unveiled 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 in on Thursday, Comrade 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 to upgrade Bayelsa. We intend 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 declared.
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 venue (IGR). 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, Comrade Peter Dolor, said the election was very peaceful, informing 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 Comr. Sabestin Omenalom (Vice chairman), Comr. Chijoke Collins (Secretary), Hon. Charles Adoke (Financial secretary), Comr. Love Dighabo (Organising Secretary), Comr. Babawele Tunde (Treasurer)
Comr. Emmanuel Okoh (PRO), Comr. Tarila Komboye (Provost), Comr. Obinna Okorokwo (Auditor), Comr. Ejike Nneji (Marshall 1) and
Comr. Chisom Amaku (Marshall 2).
