Groups partner to empower 14m mechanics, technicians

By Edith Tsokar

The Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS) National Apex Cooperative Society Ltd. and the Amalgamated Union of Motor Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria (AUOMMATON) have partnered to provide affordable financing for more than 14 million mechanics and technicians nationwide.

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday in Abuja, Mr Noah Emmanuel, National President of NOGALSS apex cooperative society, said the collaboration would be driven by a joint committee responsible for membership matters and sustained consultations.

Emmanuel explained that the partnership, under the National Automotive Empowerment Drive, was designed to provide modern equipment and technical training, modernise workshops, strengthen businesses, promote financial inclusion and advance technological skills in Nigeria’s automotive sector.

“Our collaboration is intended to provide a coordinated framework through which automotive workers can access cooperative opportunities and improve their economic well-being.

“The partnership will strengthen cooperation among automotive workers through a joint committee responsible for membership-related matters and continuous consultations,” Emmanuel said.

Mr Kingsley Kpenosen, Chief Investment and Strategy Officer of the organisation, explained that the initiative was designed to address limited access to affordable credit, expensive equipment and inadequate access to advanced automotive technology.

“The programme will encourage savings, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and digital capacity-building to strengthen the financial position and business management skills of automotive technicians.

“The success of this initiative will depend on trust, transparency, effective governance, and the willingness of eligible members to participate actively,” Kpenosen said.

He added that financing under the scheme would cover automotive tools, vehicles, motorcycles and spare parts, with AUOMMATON mobilising eligible members while NOGALSS administers the digital platform and facilitates access to approved financial products.

Dr Yemisi Bankole, Chief Operating Officer of NOGALSS apex cooperative society, called on financial institutions, government agencies, suppliers, and investors to support the initiative to expand economic opportunities for automotive workers.

“Our cooperative is designed to bring individuals, businesses, associations, and skilled workers together to access resources that promote sustainable wealth creation.

“The collaboration will leverage AUOMMATON’s membership network to facilitate financing for tools, equipment, workshop modernisation, and business development,” Bankole said.

On his part, Dr Oseni Suleiman, National President of AUOMMATON, said that the union was working to harmonise fragmented structures in the automotive industry, eliminate duplication and establish a coordinated framework for mechanics and technicians nationwide.

He said the union operates under the Trade Unions Act, deriving its mandate from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and affiliated with several bodies with a combined membership exceeding 14 million.

Suleiman noted that the partnership would improve members’ welfare, expand access to economic opportunities and accelerate development in Nigeria’s automotive sector.

In his remarks, Mr Abdulkadir Bashir, a Director at the Federal Department of Cooperatives, noted that mechanics across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory would be encouraged to access single-digit interest loans and modern equipment.

Bashir, who was represented by Mr Bunde Ongo, another director in the department, expressed confidence that the partnership would enable automotive technicians to access cooperative financial services.

According to him, the partnership will also enable auto mechanics and technicians to acquire the needed equipment to improve their businesses and professional standards.

“Mechanics can also benefit from housing, pension, insurance and healthcare schemes through cooperative arrangements that promote their welfare and long-term economic security.

“This initiative will help formalise the informal automotive sector,” Bashir said.

He added that the scheme would promote training in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies, while cooperative purchasing arrangements would help combat counterfeit spare parts.

Similarly, Mr Charles Odii, Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), stressed that collaboration was critical to improving productivity, profitability, and competitiveness among automotive micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Represented by Prof. Yinka Fisher, a Deputy Director in the agency said SMEDAN recognises the importance of partnerships in connecting enterprises with the resources required for sustainable growth.

“Mechanics must recognise the economic value of their skills and develop sustainable enterprises capable of competing in a technology-driven industry.

“The transition to CNG-powered vehicles, electric vehicles and automated systems requires continuous capacity development to ensure mechanics are not left behind,” Odii said.

He urged effective implementation of the partnership to translate the agreement into measurable benefits. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai