Veteran Transporter Calls for Urgent Reforms in Nigeria’s Road Transport Sector

As Nigeria continues to battle infrastructural decay and economic instability, a seasoned voice in the transport industry has called attention to the urgent realities plaguing road transport in the country.

Veteran transporter and Director of Rivers Joy Travels, Nze Dozie Godwin, has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of Nigerian roads and the skyrocketing cost of auto spare parts, factors he says are undermining the commendable efforts of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

Speaking recently during an interaction with members of the Unity Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council in Umuahia, Mr. Edozie emphasized that the state of Nigeria’s roads is no longer just a business concern, it’s a national safety crisis.

“We are not just talking about the business of transportation. We are talking about the safety of human lives,” he said. “The state of our roads and the cost of maintaining vehicles are getting worse by the day.”

Edozie linked the high rate of road accidents to three key issues: poor road infrastructure, the surging cost of spare parts, and the rising use of expired or substandard tyres often a result of economic pressure on drivers and vehicle owners.

While commending the FRSC for their continued road safety campaigns and enforcement efforts, he noted that these efforts are being overshadowed by road conditions that damage vehicle components, increase fuel consumption, and push drivers to unsafe choices.

“The FRSC is doing its best, but bad roads lead to broken shock absorbers, bent axles, worn-out tyres, and excessive fuel consumption. When roads fail, vehicles and passengers pay the price. These now make it seem as if they (FRSC) are not doing much,” he explained.

He called on the Federal Government to prioritize road repairs nationwide and enact economic policies that will make vehicle maintenance more affordable. In his words, only a holistic reform can help transport companies and passengers navigate the current turbulent economic landscape.