The Federal Government has revealed plans to introduce a new policy to the transport sector to ensure full compliance with the use of vehicle safety kits by motorists.
The Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali, made this known in Abuja on Thursday during a sensitisation programme on road safety and the use of automobile safety kits organised by the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria.
During the programme organised in collaboration with West Africa Automobile Services Limited, a company registered in Egypt to produce safety kits; the minister revealed that countless lives could be saved if drivers abide by simple road etiquette.
The minister, who was represented by the Director of 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 to 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 kits and make the scheme a success. We know the number of lives that would have been safe if there were safety kits.”
President of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Musa Maitakobi said the intention of the collaboration and launch of the kits is to transfer the investment to the Nigerian economy.
Maitakobi, who was represented by his deputy, Muhammad Bushara noted 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 said: “We would 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.
“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. We are confident that by making these safety kits easily accessible to all vehicle owners, both private, state, and federal government, we can make a substantial impact on protecting lives and enhancing the overall safety culture within our country”.
He further noted that the Automobile safety kit consists of reflective vests, traffic cones, safety helmets, and warning triangles to increase visibility and alert other drivers in case of breakdowns or accidents.
Other components are first aid supplies, including bandages, antiseptics, and wound dressing items to provide immediate care in case of injury.
