Recently, the Lagos state government announced that it will, beginning January 2022, enforce the compulsory inspection of all categories of vehicles before issuance of the relevant Road Worthy Certifications.
The State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, disclosed this at a meeting held at the Vehicle Inspection Service, (VIS) Headquarters, Ojodu, adding that the rule was made to curb and reduce to the barest minimum the accident rate which he observed, had spiked in recent times.
According to Oladeinde, the forum was convened to collate and incorporate suggestions from transport unions and other stakeholders in the transport industry, on the new policy before its commencement.
He explained that the State Government is desirous of ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles ply the network of roads in Lagos to reduce gridlocks often caused by broken down vehicles, thereby improving the safety of lives and property.
The State Director, Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Engr. Akin-George Fashola explained that the earlier arrangement whereby Certificates of Roadworthiness are issued along with a Referral Note directing vehicle owners to visit the Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (LACVIS) for inspection will no longer hold come January 2022.
This is undoubtedly, a welcome development because for too long the issuance of Road Worthy certificates are just being dished out to too many vehicles that should not be on the road.
Hitherto, all a motorist need to do is to provide the relevant vehicle particulars as well as the fee, and he gets the certification even from his bed room.
However, we think that the current number of Certification centres in the state is grossly inadequate to meet the expected surge. If government is looking at certifying privately owned garages, all the necessary procedures must be observed.
We strongly believe that this new pronouncement by the Lagos state government, if properly implemented, will go a long way in improving road safety in the state.
Meanwhile, we call on other states of the federation to follow the footsteps of Lagos state, as all states have over the years deviated from the expected practice of inspection before certification.
