TRAINING REQUIRED OF MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANICS FORMAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF COMPRESSED NATURAL GASVEHICLES IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ABUJA.

Abstract

This study investigates the training required of motor vehicle mechanics for maintenance and repairs of compressed natural gas vehicles in FCT Abuja, Nigeria. Relevant literature related to the objectives were reviewed. The study employed explanatory sequential mixed method design. The population of the study comprised of 266 motor vehicle mechanics, which comprises of 260 respondents for qualitative while 6 for the qualitative. The sample size was obtained through simple random sampling and purposeful technique was used. The Instrument used for data gathering was a questionnaire titled TRMVMMRCNGVAN and an interview guide which was developed by the researcher. The data were analysed using mean and standard deviation with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The qualitative data obtained was analysed Thematically using NVIVO software. The findings of the study revealed that: motor vehicle mechanics in FCT Abuja, Nigeria required competencies in diagnosing CNG vehicles, motor vehicle mechanics in FCT Abuja, Nigeria and motor vehicle mechanics in FCT Abuja, Nigeria required safety skills related to maintenance and repairs of CNG vehicles. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that: The Federal Government should train motor vehicle mechanics on technical competencies in performing regular maintenance and repairs of CNG components/ system, technical competencies in diagnosing electrical issues related to CNG and the use of diagnostic tools for CNG vehicles in Abuja, and Nigeria at large, The Federal Government should train motor vehicle mechanics technical competencies in repairing problems in fuel injectors within the CNG system, technical competencies in troubleshooting CNG conversion kits in gasoline/diesel vehicles, technical competencies in conducting pressure test on CNG storage delivery system for maintenance and repairs of CNG vehicles in Abuja, and Nigeria at large.