General Secretary of the Conference, Engr. Durojaye Olalekan, speaking during a pre-conference press briefing in Jos
Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation has warned that the lack of a harmonized motor vehicle administration system across the country is undermining national security and road safety.
National Chairman of the Conference, Engr. (Sir) Paul Bepeh, stated this during a pre-conference press briefing for the 2025 Annual National Conference of the Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation, held on Monday at the Ministry of Information, Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Represented by the General Secretary, Engr. Durojaye Olalekan, Bepeh said the conference, tagged “Jos 2025,” was convened to deliberate on the theme, “ _Enhancing National Security and Road Traffic Safety Through Effective Motor Vehicle Administration.”_
He described it as both timely and strategic as Nigeria continues to face challenges in vehicle regulation, enforcement, and public safety.
He said, “The administration of motor vehicles is far more than a matter of routine regulation — it is a pillar of national security.
“A country’s ability to identify, track, and regulate vehicles and drivers directly affects its capacity to safeguard lives, protect property, and enforce laws.”
According to him, when vehicle registration, inspection, and licensing processes are inconsistent or poorly coordinated, unroadworthy vehicles, untrained drivers, and untraceable vehicles find their way onto the roads, creating loopholes for smuggling, kidnapping, terrorism, and vehicle theft.
He noted that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) remain the backbone of the nation’s motor vehicle administration and road safety enforcement, with responsibilities ranging from roadworthiness inspection to data management and driver testing.
He added that despite their crucial role, the effectiveness of VIOs across the states had been weakened by poor coordination, inadequate equipment, lack of funding, and weak inter-agency collaboration.
“The overemphasis on revenue generation over safety objectives, the neglect of actual vehicle inspection before certification, and poor enforcement strategies have collectively weakened compliance and eroded public confidence in the road safety system,” he said.
Bepeh identified digital transformation, harmonization of standards, and capacity building as key reforms needed to reposition the motor vehicle administration system.
He said the Conference advocates for a unified legal framework for vehicle inspection and licensing across the 36 states and the FCT, as well as continuous training and attitudinal reorientation of officers.
He added, “Automation of all motor vehicle administration processes will enhance transparency, traceability, and accountability.
“Public enlightenment is also vital to change the perception of vehicle inspection from a punitive measure to a safety service.”
Bepeh explained that the *“ _Jos 2025”*_ Conference would serve as a platform for experts and policymakers to deliberate on harmonized standards, data-driven enforcement, and digital innovations in vehicle administration. The gathering is expected to produce a communiqué for possible adoption by member states.
In his remarks, the Plateau State Commissioner of Transportation, Hon. Datok Davou Gyang, described the hosting of the conference as another milestone under the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
He said the introduction of the Tin City Metro Buses, the motorcycle tracking system using QR codes, and the installation of surveillance cameras at strategic locations in Jos have enhanced commuter safety and security, aligning with the theme of the conference.
The three-day conference is expected to draw participants from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, including road safety administrators, transport policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders in the motor vehicle administration sector.
