Oyeyemi Calls For Stable Auto Policy To Reduce Road Crash Deaths
Former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has expressed concern over the continued loss of lives from preventable road crashes in Nigeria, describing the situation as a major setback to national development.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Oyeyemi said thousands of Nigerians continue to die annually in road accidents that could have been avoided, leaving many families devastated.
While acknowledging significant progress in road safety management since the country’s road crash peak in 1987, he noted that the achievements remain inadequate for a nation with Nigeria’s large population and growing traffic volume.
According to him, the persistent occurrence of avoidable road crashes is undermining national development and requires sustained policy interventions to address.
Oyeyemi advocated the implementation of a stable and long-term national automotive policy, stressing that frequent policy changes by successive administrations have hindered growth in the sector.
Reflecting on CILT’s recently concluded 30th anniversary celebration, he urged policymakers to adopt consistent strategies similar to those implemented in countries such as South Africa, Morocco and Ethiopia, where sustained policies have helped strengthen the automotive industry.
He noted that Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing sector remains at an early stage and is heavily dependent on imported vehicles. He added that the National Automotive Industry Development Plan has undergone several revisions over the years without generating the industrial momentum needed to transform the sector.
Oyeyemi further stated that with a population of about 240 million people, Nigeria possesses one of Africa’s largest automobile markets. He said increased investment in local vehicle assembly, component manufacturing, aftermarket services and electric vehicle infrastructure would reduce dependence on imports while creating employment opportunities and boosting economic growth.
He maintained that CILT has consistently advocated these reforms over the past three decades as part of efforts to promote sustainable transportation and road safety in the country.
