VIO administrators urge FG to strengthen highway transport regulation, enforcement

The Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers popularly often known as Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO, have referred to as on the Federal Government to implement sturdy regulation, skilled administration, know-how and enforcement for efficient highway transportation.

The Mandate Secretary, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Transportation Secretariat, Charles Elechi, made this name on Tuesday in Abuja on the 2026 Annual National Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation.

According to him, governments should be sure that automobiles are roadworthy, drivers correctly licensed and regulatory establishments adequately outfitted.

He mentioned that insufficient funding in inspection services, inconsistent requirements, fragmented knowledge techniques and restricted public consciousness are challenges that require the federal government’s pressing intervention.

“There should be stronger institutional capacity, improved data interoperability and technology-driven systems to enhance vehicle inspection and driver licensing.

“Also Nigeria ought to have lawful, clear and accountable enforcement, supported by applicable know-how and uniform requirements throughout states,” he said.

On his part, the Director of the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Abubakar Yeldu, called for coordinated government action to strengthen enforcement and restore public confidence in regulatory institutions.

Yeldu said intimidation of enforcement personnel could weaken compliance with traffic regulations and expose road users to greater risks.

The national chairman of the conference, Durojaye Olalekan, said weaknesses in driver licensing and vehicle inspection had exposed serious institutional gaps.

Olalekan expressed concern that motor vehicle administration was often treated primarily as a revenue-generating activity rather than a professional system for protecting lives.