Motoring World @30: Oyeyemi Calls for Increased Road Safety Funding

Former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria (CILT), Boboye Oyeyemi, has called on governments at all levels to significantly increase investment in road safety infrastructure and institutions, describing adequate funding as essential to protecting lives and supporting Nigeria’s growing transport economy.

Oyeyemi made the call while delivering the Chairman’s Address at the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Motoring World International and its Automotive Legacy and Excellence Awards in Lagos.

The transport and logistics expert noted that Nigeria’s expanding population, increasing vehicle ownership and rising mobility demands have placed enormous pressure on the country’s road transport system, making strategic investment in safety infrastructure more urgent than ever. According to him, road safety must be treated as a national development priority rather than a routine administrative responsibility.

“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,” he said.

Oyeyemi observed that despite Nigeria being one of Africa’s largest automotive markets, investment in road infrastructure, traffic management systems and safety enforcement has not matched the growth in vehicular movement, resulting in increasing road crashes, fatalities and economic losses.

He urged government to move beyond routine budgetary allocations and make targeted investments in intelligent traffic systems, modern road design, driver education programmes and capacity building for enforcement agencies.

The former FRSC Corps Marshal also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government agencies and private sector stakeholders, arguing that sustainable road safety can only be achieved through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.

Earlier, Oyeyemi paid tribute to the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Motoring World Communications Limited, Femi Owoeye, describing him as a pioneer whose commitment has helped shape Nigeria’s automotive journalism landscape. He recalled that when Motoring World was established in 1996, specialised automotive reporting was largely unexplored in Nigeria.

According to him, Owoeye’s decision to focus exclusively on the automotive and transport sector has resulted in the emergence of a respected industry publication that has consistently documented policy developments, industry trends, safety advocacy and business opportunities within the mobility ecosystem.

In his welcome address, Owoeye announced the launch of a specialised Automotive Journalism Development Programme aimed at nurturing and equipping the next generation of automotive journalists.

He said the initiative would focus on strengthening professionalism, deepening industry knowledge and promoting developmental journalism capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s automotive and transport sectors.

“We firmly believe that a stronger automotive media will help build a stronger automotive industry,” Owoeye said.

He also disclosed that Motoring World would intensify its advocacy for policies that encourage local vehicle production, industrial development, technology transfer, investment, road safety, skills acquisition and sustainable mobility.

Owoeye further announced the resumption of the full quarterly publication of Motoring World’s print magazine, explaining that the decision followed sustained encouragement from industry stakeholders and reflects the publication’s confidence in the future of Nigeria’s automotive, logistics and transportation sectors.

According to him, the magazine will continue to serve as a credible platform for policy discussions, industry analysis, investment opportunities and stakeholder engagement.

Reflecting on three decades of automotive development in Nigeria, Oyeyemi noted that Motoring World has chronicled major industry milestones, including automotive policy reforms, the emergence of ride-hailing services, growth in vehicle assembly operations and increasing conversations around electric and compressed natural gas-powered vehicles.

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He urged policymakers to align automotive sector growth with infrastructure development, safety standards and regulatory reforms to ensure sustainable industry expansion.

The former FRSC boss further advised government to develop clear and consistent policies that encourage local manufacturing, improve competitiveness and support the adoption of emerging mobility technologies.

He concluded that investment in road safety should be viewed as an investment in national productivity, public health and economic stability.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. Government must act decisively by funding road safety institutions adequately and ensuring that policies translate into real protection for Nigerians,” he said.

The Motoring World @30 Anniversary celebration brought together key stakeholders from the automotive, transport, logistics, manufacturing and media sectors, providing a platform to reflect on the industry’s evolution while charting a path toward safer, more efficient and sustainable mobility in Nigeria.