New app to ease automobile challenges in Nigeria

A new mobile application, Mecofinder has been introduced by Kodzone Technologies to provide information for vehicle users who experience emergency mechanical issues to access technicians wherever the need arises.
 
According to the company, the application is a location-based platform built with modern technology features, which allows users access 14 categories of technicians. They include alternative current(AC) technician, auto mechanic, battery technician, brake and transmission technician, diagnostic technician, diesel mechanic, heavy vehicle mechanic, locksmith, panel beater, rewire, service technician, spray painter, towing van, vulcanising technician.
 
Briefing journalists in Lagos, Business Concept Partner, Kodzone Technologies, Olu Omoyeni, said the essence of the platform is to enhance affordability for Nigerians who need such services to access convenient and competent auto technician at any time.

He said there are two categories, namely verified and unverified technicians. Any technician can go online and register as a technician under any of the category list but until he has gone through training and rigorous screening, the technician remains unverified.
 
He disclosed that the platform would be operational by next month with Lagos as the pioneer state.His words: “We are hoping to launch out in August, and by the time we start moving from one location to another, more people would become verified. It is an ongoing process.

We are launching out the scope of operations in phases. As the pioneer, Lagos is our first point of call, and subsequently hoping to take the platform to several states.The verification exercise being carried out as our core work is time consuming. We are creating a platform to connect with auto technicians.
 
He mentioned that every technician found on the platform is subjected to continuous checks and balancing.He said: “We are more particular on what the technician specialises on. For instance, if you have an automobile mechanic company, each technician within the company must be listed individually with specialisation on the platform. The whole essence of the app is to afford convenience to users. You don’t have to be stuck in an emergency situation and be helpless. Once you find yourself in any mechanical emergency situation, visit the app and you will find people who are with your needs.
 
Omoyeni said there is insurance for professional indemnity. The insurance covers damages, which occur during the course of carrying out a repair under the platform, stating that the professional negligence on the part of the auto technician would be covered.
   
Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Surulere,Lagos, Tunji Oguntoye, said the app would salvage road crashes and issues of automobile breakdown causing obstructions and traffic jams on the road.
   
As part of ongoing review, he urged the organisers to include on the platform information on how users and technicians can get original spare parts to avoid used parts in repairs, which he said cause damage to automobiles on the road.

The verification exercise being carried out as our core work is time consuming. We are creating a platform to connect with auto technicians.He mentioned that every technician found on the platform is subjected to continuous checks and balancing.

He said: “We are more particular on what the technician specialises on. For instance if you have an automobile mechanic company, each technician within the company must be listed individually with specialisation on the platform. The whole essence of the app is to afford convenience to users. You don’t have to be stuck in an emergency situation and be helpless. Once you find yourself in any mechanical emergency situation, visit the app and you will find people who are with your needs.

Omoyeni said there is insurance for professional indemnity. The insurance covers damages, which occurs during the course of carrying out a repair under the platform, stating that the professional negligence on the part of the auto technician would be covered.

Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Surulere, Lagos, Tunji Oguntoye, said the app would salvage road crashes and issues of automobile breakdown causing obstructions and traffic jams on the road.As part of ongoing review, he urged the organisers to include on the platform information on how users and technicians can get original spare parts to avoid used parts in repairs, which he said causes damage to automobiles on the road.