The Printing of the standardised National Driver’s licence which is the statutory responsibility of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) seems to have become an issue.
This is because for several months, running from last year, many prospective fresh aapplicants and those who seek to renew their licences, are yet to get their licences printed by the FRSC after due processing by the various state motor vehicle licensing authorities and the Vehicle Inspection Officers.
Hencr, it did not come as a surpirse when the Directors / Chief Road Traffic Officers Vehicle Inspection Service of the South West States of Nigeria could no longer bear patience on the issue.
They openly frowned at the delay in the printing of Driver’s License at the annual Zonal meeting of the Directors/ Chief Traffic Officers (VIO) held yesterday at Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The meeting which usually is a pre-event to the annual National Conference of the Vehicle Inspection Officers, is geared towards discussing and tackling matters that affects road traffic activities in the various states and also for preparation towards their forthcoming National Conference, billed for Minna, Niger State.
The Hon. Commissioner For Transportation in Ogun State, Engr Dairo Olugbenga, represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation Mr Adewuyi Adesoji Augustus, stressed the importance of road traffic management in transportion system.
He said “road Traffic Management is a crucial aspect of transportation in any society , and it is imperative that we come together as stakeholders to discuss and address the challenges faced in the cause of duties, by collaborating and sharing experiences, and thereby formulate effective strategies to improve road safety, enhance traffic flow, and ensure the smooth operation of our transportation systems.
“The theme of the forthcoming National Conference is ‘Standardization and Harmonisation of Vehicle Testing Licensing: The Most Vital Instruments For Motor Vehicle Administration ‘, this theme underscores the significance of maintaining uniform standards and practices in vehicle testing and licensing. As Transport Authorities, it is our duty to ensure that vehicles on our roads meet stringent safety standards and Drivers possesses the necessary skills and qualifications to operate them”.
The Zonal Chairman, Southwest VIO, who is also the Director of Ondo State Vehicle Inspection Services, Engr D.A Adeleye, summarised the challenges being faced to include
Wide spread complaints of delay in the printing of Drivers License by FRSC from different people and accosted drivers, faded number plates, Unauthorised use of government number plates etc.
He added “after so much deliberations, it is this day agreed upon that- Government of South West States should be appreciated for allowing partnership to strive in Transport related issues in the States: secondly, there is need for speedy actions in printing of drivers license, states should allow technology in the enforcement of traffic rules: Vehicle Inspection Officers should form parts of State’s Delegates to National Council of Transportation.
“There should be collaboration in the enforcement to allow free movement of motorists in the South West, States should look into Data capturing of all motorists and motorcyclists for private commercial”.
