Preparations are in top gear for the 2025 Annual National Conference of the Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation, tagged “Jos 2025”, as stakeholders spotlight the crucial roles of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) in ensuring road safety and national security.
The conference, themed “Enhancing National Security and Road Traffic Safety Through Effective Motor Vehicle Administration in Nigeria,” officially commenced with a press briefing held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Plateau State Secretariat, Ministry of Information Conference Room, Jos.
Engr. (Sir) Paul Bepeh, the National Chairman of the Conference, represented by the General Secretary, Durojaye Babawale Olalekan, described VIOs as the “backbone of Nigeria’s motor vehicle administration and road safety enforcement.”
He outlined the core responsibilities of Vehicle Inspection Officers to include:
- Vehicle Roadworthiness Inspection: Ensuring that vehicles plying Nigerian roads are safe and mechanically sound.
- Enforcing Vehicle Compliance: Verifying valid registration, insurance, and emission standards.
- Accident Investigation: Identifying mechanical causes of road accidents.
- Public Education: Promoting awareness on road safety and proper vehicle maintenance.
- Data Management: Maintaining accurate vehicle and driver records for policy planning.
- Drivers’ Testing and Training: Assessing the competence of drivers before licensing.
- Collaboration and Enforcement: Partnering with the FRSC, Police, and other agencies to uphold road laws.
Olalekan noted that the upcoming conference, scheduled to hold at Steffan’s Hotel, Jos, will bring together Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers from all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory. The event, he said, will focus on promoting professionalism, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and improved service delivery across the federation.
He added that the conference will feature technical sessions, policy dialogues, and expert presentations aimed at harmonizing standards, advancing data-driven enforcement, and enhancing digital vehicle administration systems. Deliberations will culminate in a communiqué for adoption by member states.
Speaking at the briefing, the Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang, commended the organizers for selecting Plateau State as the host, while highlighting recent innovations within the state’s transport system.
According to him, the ministry has introduced City Metro Buses and implemented new safety measures, including the use of QR codes to help commuters verify motorcycle riders’ identities within the Bukuru–Jos metropolis.
He further disclosed that a Situation Room has been established to monitor real-time traffic flow and motorist activities at key roundabouts across the city, enhancing both public safety and efficient traffic management.
The 2025 National Conference is expected to formally open on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Steffan’s Hotel, Jos, with participants from across the federation.