The Directors / Chief Road Traffic Officers Vehicle Inspection Service of the South West States of Nigeria has frowned at the delay in the printing of Driver's License  on the part of the Federal Road Safety Commission.

This was brought to the fore at the annual Zonal meeting of the Directors/ Chief Traffic Officers (VIO) today in  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 States and also  for preparation towards their forthcoming National Conference. 

In his goodwill messages, the Honourable Commissioner For Transportation in Ogun State, Engr Dairo Olugbenga,who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation Mr Adewuyi Adesoji Augustus emphasized the importance of road traffic management in transportion system in any society.

" 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". 

Speaking on the theme of the forthcoming National Conference, Engr Olugbenga Dairo defined it as significants of Uniformity to safety standard.

 " 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".  

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Adewuyi Adesoji Augustus in his  personality as the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Transportation  welcomed and appreciated all Officers from the South West States which includes Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo ,Osun , Lagos and of cause, the Director of Ogun State Vehicle Inspection Services Engr Olugbenga Ademehin being the Host State. 

Attesting to their effective and efficient modes of operation, The Permanent Secretary charged all Officers to be purposeful in their operational systems without losing focus, advising them to request for provision of operational vehicles for ease of mobility, for  better service delivery.

The Zonal Chairman Southwest VIO, who is also the Director of Ondo State Vehicle Inspection Services Engr D.A Adeleye in his remark appreciated everyone present and after much deliberations on various challenges and experiences highlighted from the different States represented, ranging from Large complaints of delay in the printing of Drivers License by FRSC from different people and  accosted drivers, Fade Number Plates, Undue use of Government Number Plates,  Government Functions, amongst others. The Chairman read out the communique as agreed upon  to address issues raised .

" 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, Faded Number Plates and Government Number Plates for commercial Vehicles should be discouraged, The new Chairman will be in charge for the next two years and lastly, Lagos State is to host South West VIO Conference next year,  prior to the National Conference". 

Earlier to his remark, Engr D.A Adeleye nominated the Director of Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Services, Engr Fashola Akin -George as the new Zonal Chairman Southwest VIO. 

Engr Fashola in his acceptance speech, appreciated the outgoing Chairman and Colleagues for the opportunity  bestowed on him to continue with the mantle to drive VIS forward, with a charge to work more.

" Its my pleasure to accept and appreciate the outgoing Chairman for a job well done and my dear Colleagues for  the opportunity availed to me to continue with the mantle to drive the Southwest VIS forward.  I want   to charge us to work more on projecting the importance of our services to the general public. There is a lot of opportunities which will come from within us after having understand our roles in the service at our disposal. Today, I give my readiness and assurance to support the establishment to a seamless operation system.

Highlight of the meeting was the launching of the book titled ' Safety Fundamental For Road Users' by  the Southwest Coordinator Engr, (Dr.) Taofeek Babalola  .