SPECIAL INTERVIEW
Engineer Abubakar Abbati Muhammad of Unguwar Alkali, Katsina, is the Katsina State Chairman of the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA). In this special interview with Katsina Times, he spoke on the history of the association, its role in skills development, partnership with the Katsina State Government, and the challenges facing vocational training in Nigeria.
NATA, according to Engineer Abbati, is one of Nigeria’s oldest professional trade associations, established over 80 years ago. He explained that the association operates a well-structured system from the grassroots to the national level, with units at ward and local government levels, state executives, and a National Chairman.
“Our membership cuts across all categories of automobile and mechanical technicians,” he said. “This includes heavy-duty and light vehicle mechanics, motorcycle and bicycle repairers, vulcanizers, panel beaters, auto painters, and other related artisans within the automotive value chain.”
Highlighting NATA’s major achievement in Katsina State in 2025, Engineer Abbati described the large-scale skills acquisition programme implemented in collaboration with the Katsina State Government.
“Our biggest milestone this year was the training of youths,” he stated. “We entered into an agreement with the Katsina State Government under the leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda, through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), to train 3,000 youths in various NATA-related trades.”
Under the arrangement, NATA was responsible for providing technical training, while the state government committed to paying stipends and providing starter tools to the trainees.
“In the year under review, we successfully trained 1,500 youths,” he disclosed. “The selection process was very transparent and thorough, involving community heads and relevant authorities to ensure that only genuinely interested and deserving youths benefited.”
Engineer Abbati revealed that the Katsina State Government paid a total of ₦74 million as stipends to the 1,500 trainees.
He further noted that NATA expects the government to provide post-training support to enable the beneficiaries to become self-reliant.
“We are hopeful that each trainee will receive a minimum startup support of between ₦400,000 and ₦450,000,” he said. “This will go a long way in helping them establish themselves. We sincerely commend Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda for this bold and impactful initiative.”
According to him, vocational skills offer faster and more sustainable economic returns for young people.
“If a youth is properly trained for two years, such a person can comfortably earn at least ₦5,000 daily,” he explained. “That translates to about ₦150,000 monthly. At what level of government employment can a young person earn that amount within such a short time?”
Engineer Abbati also revealed that NATA is strengthening collaboration with national institutions, private companies, and other stakeholders.
“We are working closely with organizations such as the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), AMASCO, and other companies,” he said. “We have also introduced systems that will support security agencies, assist tax authorities, and at the same time protect the dignity and identity of our members.”
Key Challenges
Despite the progress recorded, the NATA chairman identified parental attitude as a major challenge to skills acquisition.
“Frankly, one of our biggest challenges is that mothers are more supportive when it comes to allowing children to learn trades, while many fathers are less committed,” he observed. “Fathers need to be more involved in monitoring and encouraging their children in vocational careers.”
He stressed that consistent parental support is crucial for the success of apprenticeship programmes.
Engineer Abbati reaffirmed NATA’s commitment to youth empowerment, professionalism, and economic development in Katsina State and beyond, calling for sustained government support and stronger community involvement.
This interview was conducted by Katsina Times on Friday, 26 December 2025.
