By Kelvin Obambon
The Automobile Technicians Regulatory Department (ATRD) in Cross River has celebrated its first anniversary, commemorating a year of progress in regulating and formalizing the state’s automotive industry.
The event, held in Calabar Friday, brought together government officials, industry stakeholders, technicians, and security agencies to reflect on achievements and set sights on future growth.
Chief Ndem Effiong, Special Adviser on ATRD to the Governor, described the event as unprecedented in the development history of the State. “We owe the credit to Almighty God and His Excellency, our amiable Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for initiating this vision,” he stated, recalling the department’s official mandate launch in November 2024.
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The governor’s aide highlighted the department’s mandate to regulate and institutionalize the automotive sector, emphasizing the ongoing construction of key projects such as the Automobile Training Centre at the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa, and the CNG and Electric Vehicle Charging Point at the University of Calabar.
These projects he said, “are crucial for capacity building and advancing the automobile ecosystem, with strong potential to boost our state’s economy.”
The anniversary also featured the unveiling of an ATRD newsmagazine, insurance products, and a new automobile brand, showcasing the department’s innovative spirit.
Representing the governor, Engr. Jerome Egbe, Special Adviser on Public Utilities, reiterated the administration’s commitment to the sector and lauded the technicians’ contributions.
“Training and retraining cannot be overemphasized. With sustained collaboration, we will reduce road accidents by ensuring safer, well-maintained vehicles,” he affirmed.
Also speaking, Innocent Etuk, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), harped on the vital connection between automobile technicians and road safety.
He said “There can be no road safety without reliable technicians to maintain roadworthy vehicles. Your work is non-negotiable in achieving zero death goals in road traffic incidents.” Etuk however commended the increasing participation of female technicians in the field.
The event also spotlighted the forthcoming West African Automotive Show (WAAS) in Lagos in 2026. Chief Effiong appealed for support to empower local delegates to participate and proposed Cross River as a potential host for the 2027 edition, envisioning the state as a regional automotive innovation hub.
Meanwhile, representatives of various security agencies pledged their continued cooperation to safeguard the sector’s integrity and support ongoing reforms aimed at reducing corruption and crime within the automotive ecosystem.
