Federal Government is planning to introduce new policy to the transport sector to ensure full compliance in the use of vehicle safety kits by motorists, the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has said.
According to him, countless lives could be saved if drivers abide by simple safety rules.
Alkali gave the hint, yesterday, at a sensitisation programme on road safety and use of automobile safety kits organised by Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in collaboration with West Africa Automobile Services Limited, a company registered in Egypt to produce safety kits.
The minister, represented by the Director, Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration in the ministry, Musa Ibrahim, said: “This initiative is a welcome development. We want to thank President Bola Tinubu for creating an investment atmosphere to allow our brothers from West Africa Automobile Services Limited come to the country to invest.
“We will ensure that in no distance time, we will put in a policy to aid the use of safety kit and make the scheme a success. We know the number of lives that would have been saved if there are safety kits”, he stated.
President of RTEAN, Musa Maitakobi, said the aim of the collaboration and launch of the kits is to transfer the investment to the Nigerian economy.
Maitakobi, who was represented by the Deputy RTEAN President, Muhammad Bushara, said that by strategically partnering with businesses, individuals, and community organisations, the association aims to raise awareness of the importance of having Automobiles Safety Kits in every vehicle.
He however said the flag-up campaign aims to “encourage car owners and drivers to equip their vehicles with comprehensive safety kits, educate individuals about the essential components that contribute to a well-equipped safety kit, and promote safe driving practices and responsible ownership by emphasising the importance of preventive measures.
He said: “The launch of this initiative is a significant milestone for us. It represents our unwavering dedication to promoting road safety and reducing the occurrence of preventable accidents.”
Maitakobi said the Automobile safety kit consists of reflective vests, traffic cones, safety helmets and warning triangles to increase visibility and alert other drivers to breakdowns or accidents.
Other components are first aid supplies, including bandages, antiseptics and wound dressing items to provide immediate care in case of injury.
In his remarks, the CEO of West Africa Automobile Services Ltd (WAASL), Ahmed Hafez, said their collaboration with RTEAN marks a significant stride towards ensuring the safety of 16 million members spread across Nigeria’s 36 states.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Muhammad Adamu Aliero, who was represented by his senior legislative aide, said it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that every effort is made to prevent road tragedies from occurring.
He said: “The implementation of automobile safety kits is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. An automobile safety kit is not merely an accessory; it is a vital tool that can save lives in critical situations.”
