By Uwem Ekong
The Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has decried what it described as post-election neglect by the state government and has appealed to Governor Umo Eno for urgent intervention and support.
Speaking in Uyo, the State Chairman of NATA, Comrade Charlie Francis Eka, said the association played a strategic role in mobilising grassroots support for Governor Eno during the last governorship election, deploying its members across the 31 local government areas of the state to canvass votes.
Eka recalled that during the campaign period, Governor Eno personally visited the mechanic village and assured members of the association of support and empowerment if elected. According to him, those assurances have remained unfulfilled since the Governor assumed office.
He lamented that while several groups and sectors have benefitted from government empowerment programmes, automobile technicians have been left out.
“Other groups in the state have been remembered and empowered by the Governor, but our sector has been abandoned,” Eka said.
The NATA Chairman expressed concern over the absence of training programmes, financial assistance and technical empowerment for automobile technicians, stressing that such interventions were among the commitments made during the campaign. He noted that the continued lack of support has negatively affected the productivity and welfare of members.
Eka explained that NATA is a structured and professional body with over 5,000 registered members operating across Akwa Ibom State, contributing significantly to the economy through skilled services, employment generation and technical expertise. He added that the association has a track record of supporting governments at all levels, irrespective of political affiliation.
Despite the grievances, the NATA Chairman commended Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, describing it as impactful and beneficial to many citizens. He said the association aligns fully with the administration’s vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Eka also appealed to the Governor to address the long-standing challenge of the dilapidated mechanic village along Abak Road, calling for its relocation to the permanent site to improve safety, efficiency and working conditions for technicians.
Reaffirming the association’s loyalty, he stated that NATA members remain law-abiding citizens and pledged their continued support for Governor Eno’s administration beyond 2027. He expressed optimism that the state government would respond positively to their concerns and formally integrate automobile technicians into its economic and development programmes.
