In a bid to enhance road safety and ensure the optimal performance of the Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, the assembly member representing Ibadan North Constituency 2, has moved a motion calling for the executive arm of government to upgrade the facilities of the VIS.
The motion was presented yesterday at the plenary session of the Oyo State House of Assembly, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin. Hon. Babalola Owolabi seconded the motion.
The motion highlighted the critical role of the VIS, a department under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in maintaining road safety and generating revenue for the state. Despite its importance, the VIS faces numerous challenges, including staff shortages, outdated facilities, a lack of a conducive working environment, absence of a legal framework for its operations, and overlapping functions with other agencies such as the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA).
Hon. Babajide emphasized that regular vehicle inspections are crucial for road safety and environmental protection, as they ensure vehicles are roadworthy and meet safety standards, thus reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Furthermore, vehicle inspections help control air pollution by identifying vehicles that do not meet emission standards.
With the increasing number of vehicles on Oyo State roads, effective vehicle inspections are vital for preventing accidents, minimizing traffic congestion, and promoting a cleaner environment.
The motion also acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the VIS, including severe understaffing, with only 144 personnel managing operations across 14 zonal offices.
This shortage limits comprehensive coverage and timely inspections.
The lack of operational vehicles and inadequate working conditions, including outdated equipment, further hampers the department’s productivity.
Despite Governor Seyi Makinde’s commendable efforts in equipping security and transport agencies with modern vehicles and equipment, the VIS has not received adequate attention.
The absence of a legal framework governing VIS operations has led to confusion and overlapping duties with OYRTMA, creating inefficiencies and preventing the department from focusing on its core mandate.
The resolution calls for the following actions:
- Commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his dedication to enhancing the capacity of various government agencies and encourage further attention to the VIS.
- Urge the Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministry of Works and Transport, to:
- Establish more computerized and fully equipped Vehicle Inspection Centres across the state.
- Provide an enabling law that clearly defines the functions of the VIS and other agencies.
- Address the staff shortage by increasing the workforce to enhance efficiency across the 14 zonal offices.
- Provide the department with more operational vehicles to improve service delivery.
- Ensure the provision of appropriate uniforms and kits for staff to maintain professionalism.
- Organize periodic training and retraining programs for staff to improve competence and service quality.
