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 supply reasonably priced financing for greater than 14 million mechanics and technicians nationwide.
Speaking on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday in Abuja, Mr Noah Emmanuel, National President of NOGALSS apex cooperative society, stated the collaboration can be pushed by a joint committee accountable for membership issues and sustained consultations.
Emmanuel defined that the partnership, below the National Automotive Empowerment Drive, was designed to supply fashionable tools and technical coaching, modernise workshops, strengthen companies, promote monetary inclusion and advance technological expertise 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 stated.
Mr Kingsley Kpenosen, Chief Investment and Strategy Officer of the organisation, defined that the initiative was designed to handle restricted entry to reasonably priced credit score, costly tools and insufficient entry to superior automotive expertise.
“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 stated.
He added that financing below the scheme would cowl automotive instruments, autos, bikes and spare components, with AUOMMATON mobilising eligible members whereas NOGALSS administers the digital platform and facilitates entry to authorised monetary merchandise.
Dr Yemisi Bankole, Chief Operating Officer of NOGALSS apex cooperative society, known as on monetary establishments, authorities businesses, suppliers, and buyers to help the initiative to increase financial alternatives for automotive employees.
“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 stated.
On his half, Dr Oseni Suleiman, National President of AUOMMATON, stated that the union was working to harmonise fragmented constructions within the automotive business, remove duplication and set up a coordinated framework for mechanics and technicians nationwide.
He stated the union operates below the Trade Unions Act, deriving its mandate from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and affiliated with a number of our bodies with a mixed membership exceeding 14 million.
Suleiman famous that the partnership would enhance members’ welfare, increase entry to financial alternatives and speed up improvement in Nigeria’s automotive sector.
In his remarks, Mr Abdulkadir Bashir, a Director on the Federal Department of Cooperatives, famous that mechanics throughout the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory can be inspired to entry single-digit curiosity loans and fashionable tools.
Bashir, who was represented by Mr Bunde Ongo, one other director within the division, expressed confidence that the partnership would allow automotive technicians to entry cooperative monetary companies.
According to him, the partnership may even allow auto mechanics and technicians to accumulate the wanted tools to enhance their companies {and professional} requirements.
“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 stated.
He added that the scheme would promote coaching in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion, electrical autos, and rising applied sciences, whereas cooperative buying preparations would assist fight counterfeit spare components.
Similarly, Mr Charles Odii, Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), confused that collaboration was vital to enhancing productiveness, profitability, and competitiveness amongst automotive micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Represented by Prof. Yinka Fisher, a Deputy Director within the company stated SMEDAN recognises the significance of partnerships in connecting enterprises with the sources required for sustainable development.
“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 stated.
He urged efficient implementation of the partnership to translate the settlement into measurable advantages. (NAN)
Edited by Philip Yatai
