The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German development agency, has urged drivers to prioritise safety and security on Nigerian highways.

In a training session at the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), GIZ emphasised the importance of well-informed drivers in reducing road accidents and boosting economic development.

The group said informed drivers will cut down accidents on the road and improve the economy. Next week, GIZ will train drivers in the northern part of the country and provide them with the tools needed to manage situations on the roads.

Speaking with The Guardian, Security Risk Management Advisor, GIZ, Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ernest Aliozor, said training drivers will mitigate accidents on the road.

“We take safety and security very seriously and part of the mitigation method we put in place is to train and retrain our staff and supporting staff which drivers are part of. We train drivers every three years to ensure that they are up to standard, know more about risk on the roads, and how to discharge their duty.

“These are professional drivers so, we are not teaching them on how to handle steering or select gears but how to drive professionally; defensive driving is about being safe and ensuring the safety of other road users. How to interact with passengers, and behave with other colleagues are part of the training

Speaking on security, he said: “Security is a major challenge; these drivers embark on avalanche trips so, how to avoid security risk is important. We are training them on how to avoid attacks in case they come under one on the road.

“Last week we held the security risk management workshop for West and Central Africa in Kenya and part of the training was how to improve internal workings and we are also using the same technique.

Speaking during the training, General Manager, Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), Afusat Abike Tiamiyu, said: “This initiative reflects our shared vision of promoting professionalism, safety, and efficiency among drivers in Lagos State.

“The participation of the drivers signifies their commitment to excellence, not only in their personal development but also in contributing to the broader goals of sustainable transportation and road safety in our communities.

“We must work hand in hand to build a safer and more responsible driving culture in Lagos State and Nigeria. I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this training and the lasting partnerships that will emerge from it.

“The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is passionate about the citizens, including drivers. We bring drivers to the classroom daily to improve their driving skills and knowledge. The craziness of Lagos drivers people are talking about is gradually fading out. Lagos drivers are now better drivers, they are no longer crazy because they have a place they go every year to update their skills, increase their driving knowledge and also upscale.

“This collaboration will go a long way to get the best. Drivers are germane because they are contributing to the economic growth of the nation. Without movement, we cannot achieve anything. The Lagos State Government wants efficient, sustainable transportation so, we don’t joke with drivers.

Also speaking, Team Lead, Alphafort, Tuoyo Edward Arueyingho, said: “One of the things we remind drivers is that driving is a profession and how they see themselves matters a lot. We cannot downplay the fact that we are in a unique situation in Nigeria. Beyond moving the vehicles, drivers should understand how to carry out risk assessment of the road, passengers, weather and others. There are occasions where accident occurs on the road and passengers need first aid so, we are training the drivers on how to administer first aid and attend to victims.

“The Nigerian drivers see themselves as just a driver just like how society sees them but there is a need to see themselves as professionals like lawyers, doctors, teachers and others. Seeing themselves as professionals will help them present themselves better in society.