Calabar –The Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Cross River state chapter, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for its inclusive governance, particularly through the creation of the State Automobile Technician Regulatory Department and the appointment of a Special Adviser dedicated to the sector. Comrade John Ayabie, the chairman of NATA, praised the state government’s initiatives, including the CNG conversion and training program, as a game-changer for local technicians NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
In a statement on Friday, Comrade John Ayabie, Chairman of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Cross River state chapter, lauded Governor Bassey Otu for establishing the Automobile Technician Regulatory Department and appointing a Special Adviser to oversee it. Ayabie, also the Assistant Director General of the Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians in the state, said these developments have placed the state’s technicians and artisans at the forefront of inclusive governance.
Ayabie also expressed the group’s gratitude for the recent launch of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion and training center in Calabar, which he described as an innovative leap for the state’s automotive sector. This initiative, he said, directly involves the state’s technicians in the nation’s CNG transition, positioning them as key contributors to Nigeria’s drive toward sustainability and reducing transportation costs following the removal of fuel subsidies.
“We, the automobile technicians sponsored for the CNG training, are prepared to demonstrate to the world that something great is happening here in Cross River State,” Ayabie declared, noting the technicians’ readiness to support the government in promoting this innovative project.
The launch of the CNG center in Calabar has been hailed as a critical step in addressing the financial impact of fuel subsidy removal, as it offers a cost-effective, sustainable energy alternative for vehicle owners. Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Hon. Peter Odey, at the commissioning, highlighted that the center is the largest of its kind in Nigeria, further underscoring Cross River’s leadership in promoting clean energy initiatives.
Ayabie reaffirmed NATA’s commitment to supporting the state government, pledging the continuous involvement of automobile technicians in the state’s growth and development. He noted that the association would ensure that the skills acquired during the training are fully utilized to contribute to a cleaner, more efficient transportation sector.
In his goodwill message, Ayabie emphasized, “This CNG innovation is beneficial to us, and we believe it is in the best interest of everyone. We look forward to making more contributions to the state’s development under Governor Otu’s administration.”
The CNG center, part of the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG), is poised to become a hub for vehicle conversion and technician training, solidifying Cross River’s role in Nigeria’s evolving transportation landscape.
