The Federal Government, through the National Automobile Design and Development Council (NDDC), has begun the training of some 30 auto-mechanics and technicians selected from the five South Eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. The exercise is aimed at specializing them on repair of modern heavy-duty vehicles, especially given its electronically manipulated system.
The artisans are expected to undergo a two-week intensive training organised by the NADDC.
Friday Chibueze Okoro, managing director and chief executive of Chibueze Motors, whose outfit was assigned to train the mechanics and technicians in Enugu, said at induction of the young mechanics that the exercise was a Federal Government programme designed to impart them with professional knowledge that enable them acquaint themselves with the technics in the repair and maintenance of the modern heavy-duty trucks.
He said the Federal Government through the NADDC came up with the initiative to ensure that there was safety on Nigerian roads; adding that because of the complexities of some modern heavy-duty vehicles, which are often electronically packaged, there was need for the mechanics to be retrained to be in tune with the diversities in the automotive industry.
He lauded the Federal Government for initiating the programme, appealing for extension of the training duration, so that the artisans could garner adequate knowledge required for what they would face in handling the trucks in future.
“The training is a good one. I commend the Federal Government for bringing the idea of training the selected mechanics on repair of modern heavy-duty vehicles. We’ll ensure that we give them the best; but I think that they need more time, so that they will understand the area better,” the expert said.
He said, it indicates that government is interested in safety on our roads. We have to manage safety because if they cannot manage safety, they are bound to have problems with handling of the heavy-duty vehicles.
The training began with auto diagnosis and electricals, since most modern heavy-duty vehicles are electronically manipulated. Many transport owners are losing a lot on their investments, with most lot of their heavy-duty vehicles parking up after a short period of operation, because the technicians cannot repair them when they develop faults, he explained.
Some of the participants lauded the programme, although they pleaded for more time to enable them grasp the nitty-gritty of heavy-duty vehicles repair and maintenance.
At the close of the training, the trainees would be given modern tools and certificates that would help them go into the auto repair market.
