Nigeria's Ex-Road Safety Chief Urges More Funding, Public-Private Ties

Boboye Oyeyemi, former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Nigeria (CILT), has called for a significant increase in government funding for road safety infrastructure and institutions in Nigeria. He stated that improved investment is crucial for safeguarding lives on the nation's roads.

Oyeyemi made this appeal during the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Motoring World International and its Automotive Legacy & Excellence Awards in Lagos. He highlighted that Nigeria's growing population and expanding mobility demands are placing immense pressure on the road transport system. Therefore, he emphasized the imperative for the government to prioritize safety through consistent financial commitment.

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road safety is not an abstract concept; it is a matter of life and death. Without deliberate and adequate funding, institutions responsible for enforcement, education, and emergency response cannot perform optimally

"Road safety is not an abstract concept; it is a matter of life and death," Oyeyemi stated. He warned that without adequate funding, institutions responsible for enforcement, education, and emergency response cannot function effectively. Despite Nigeria being one of Africa's largest automotive markets with over 200 million people, investment in road infrastructure, traffic management, and safety enforcement has not kept pace with the rapid increase in vehicular movement. The consequences, he noted, are evident in the rising rates of road crashes, fatalities, and economic losses.

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Safety on our roads must be treated as a national development priority. It requires policy consistency, institutional support, and the political will to invest in systems that protect lives

Oyeyemi further stressed that government funding should extend beyond routine allocations to strategic investments in modern traffic technology, improved road design, driver education, and capacity building for enforcement agencies. He also underscored the need for stronger collaboration between public institutions and private sector stakeholders, asserting that sustainable road safety necessitates a multi-sectoral approach. "Safety on our roads must be treated as a national development priority. It requires policy consistency, institutional support, and the political will to invest in systems that protect lives," he concluded.

During the event, Oyeyemi also paid tribute to Femi Owoeye, Publisher and CEO of Motoring World International, recognizing him as a pioneer who has significantly shaped Nigeria's automotive journalism. He recalled that 30 years ago, specialized automotive reporting was an uncharted territory in Nigeria, yet Owoeye's dedication established an institution of national importance that has consistently covered policy, industry trends, and safety advocacy.

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Femi Owoeye made a bold and unconventional decision to dedicate his career to documenting Nigeria’s automotive and transport sector. 30 years later, that decision has produced an institution of national importance