Nigeria Launches National Initiative to Train Articulated Vehicle Drivers, Curb Road Accidents

The Federal Government has announced a major initiative to mandate specialized training and certification for drivers of trucks and articulated vehicles, aiming to significantly reduce the rising number of deadly road accidents involving heavy goods vehicles.

The resolution was confirmed during a high-level meeting in Abuja on Thursday between the Ministry of Transportation and the committee tasked with overseeing the driver training project. Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, emphasized that the program aligns with the government’s mandate to provide safe, efficient, and affordable transportation across Nigeria.

“Drivers must be trained and know what they are doing,” said the Minister, who was represented by Director Musa Ibrahim. “We are mindful of the safety of all road users.”

The initiative comes in response to concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Advisor and the National Assembly over the alarming rate of accidents, many fatal, involving poorly trained drivers of articulated vehicles. It is estimated that over 80% of such drivers lack formal training or valid licenses, contributing to preventable crashes that have claimed lives and destroyed property.

While the government has committed to sourcing funds for the project, officials acknowledged challenges related to budgeting. “We are working around the clock to get funding,” said Ibrahim, noting that the ministry may need to seek extra-budgetary allocations to implement the training as soon as possible.

The committee, which includes representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Female Drivers Association of Nigeria, has already developed a framework for the retraining and recertification program. Cynthia Ehindoro, speaking on behalf of the committee, stressed the urgency of the initiative and called for swift financial backing.

The driver safety program complements other recent transportation advancements, including the approval of ₦142 billion for modern bus terminals across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones and the adoption of a National Transport Policy.

This retraining effort is seen as critical to reducing the human and economic costs of road accidents and improving the overall safety culture within Nigeria’s transport sector.