Oba Aderemi Advocates Stronger Partnership to Enhance Road Safety in Nigeria

The Atayero of Aramoko Kingdom, HRM Oba (Dr.) Olusegun Aderemi, JP, has called for greater collaboration among the Federal Government, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), automotive industry stakeholders, and the media to improve road safety and reduce preventable road crashes across Nigeria.

Oba Aderemi made the appeal while delivering a goodwill message at the 30th anniversary celebration of Motoring World held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

The monarch, who also serves as Managing Director of Automatic Fit and Energy Limited, a company specialising in auto care services and renewable energy products, commended the publisher of Motoring World, Mr. Femi Owoeye, and his team for their contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s automotive sector.

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In recognition of his contributions to vehicle diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and road safety advocacy, Oba Aderemi received the Auto Diagnostics & Service Excellence Award from Motoring World during the event.

He also paid tribute to the FRSC for its sustained efforts in promoting road safety nationwide.

Reflecting on the early years of his business, the traditional ruler revealed that his company once partnered with the FRSC to investigate the major causes of road accidents in Nigeria. According to him, the findings showed that many crashes resulted from driver negligence and poor vehicle maintenance, including wheel misalignment, tyre imbalance, and other mechanical defects.

“We discovered that many accidents on our roads were caused by driver negligence and avoidable vehicle faults such as unaligned wheels, unbalanced tyres, and other maintenance issues,” he said.

Oba Aderemi explained that the findings inspired the establishment of his auto care business, which focuses on wheel alignment, tyre balancing, and other preventive maintenance services designed to improve vehicle safety.

He expressed satisfaction that increased public awareness of proper vehicle maintenance has contributed to a reduction in road accidents over the years.

However, he lamented the limited knowledge among many motorists regarding basic vehicle maintenance and tyre safety. He noted that many drivers remain unaware of the importance of wheel alignment and tyre balancing, while others rely on misleading advice concerning tyre pressure.

The monarch warned that excessive tyre pressure poses a significant safety risk, particularly during long-distance travel when tyres expand due to heat.

“I feel concerned when motorists are advised to inflate their tyres to 40 or 50 psi. That is dangerous. Within the city, tyre pressure should generally not exceed 35 psi, and drivers must remember that tyres naturally expand as they heat up on the highway,” he cautioned.

Oba Aderemi urged stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that promote road safety awareness and encourage proper vehicle maintenance practices.

He also disclosed plans to collaborate with former FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, and Motoring World Publisher, Mr. Femi Owoeye, on future road safety programmes. According to him, details of the initiative will be unveiled in a future edition of the publication.

The monarch expressed optimism that stronger partnerships among government agencies, industry players, and the media would contribute to safer roads and a more conducive environment for motorists across the country.