By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
The Accident Prevention and Rescue Initiative (APRI), a road safety focused advocacy group, has called on States’ Ministry of Transportation to establish Motor Vehicle Administration Agency in the Ministry.
This according to the Group is to ensure accurate vehicle database, enhance revenue collection and improve road worthiness certification of vehicles, amongst other security and safety benefits.
APRI in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Amb. Fidelis Nnadi noted that the establishment of Motor Vehicle Administration in the Ministry of Transportation would strengthen the integrity of Vehicle Inspection, Driver Testing, and Licensing, across the States.
“Establishment of the Motor Vehicle Administration which is a residual matter in the 1999 constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria would obviously encourage standardisation in all Motor Vehicle Related activities that includes Vehicle Inspection and Driver certification. It will create a robust and accurate vehicle database for Nigeria.
*Nigeria is in dire need of standardisation and harmonisation of motor vehicle related activities inspection testing, and the best way to achieve this is to establish a well funded motor vehicle administration in each Ministry of Transport in the States.
Amb. Nnadi added that the harmonisation and standardisation of Motor vehicle related activities in Nigeria would resolve the current lack of data, coordinated enforcement, and inefficiency in Transport Ministry in many States.
Amb. Nnadi stated that there is need to ensure that the processes used in getting vehicle data and the condition of vehicle were made efficient across the States.
Stressing further, Amb. Nnadi emphasised that establishment of MVA in States would promote safety and the right use of technology in carrying out all procedures and processes of Motor Vehicle Administration in Nigeria.
“It would provide driver/rider education, training, awareness campaign and sensitisation, while providing the enabling mandate towards regular review of State Road Traffic Regulations that is suitable with current trends and international best practices.
“The provisions of MVA will enhance Public Private Partnership (PPP) and set standards in motor vehicle documentation, elimination fake number plates and Driver License with the objectives to improve on revenue generation, security and safety in the system,” Nnadi concluded.
