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The Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers of the Federation (VIOs) is a coalition of Directors and Chief Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) representing all 36 States of the Nigerian Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The organization was formed in 2003 to address the poor representation of Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues at different fora within the country. Hence the first National Conference of the body was hosted in the FCT in 2005. The mission of the organization is to promote road traffic safety, enhance motor vehicle administration processes and collaborate on policies aimed at improving traffic management and traffic law enforcement across the country. As a key body dedicated to safeguarding lives on Nigeria’s roads, we work closely with state and federal agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public to advance sustainable road safety practices, technological innovations, and legislative frameworks that ensure an efficient and safe road transportation system.
The History of Motor Vehicle Administration in Nigeria
The Nigeria Police was formally performing motor vehicle administration functions amongst others until 1962 when, at the Police Conference (POLCO 62) it was resolved that since Motor Vehicle administration is a constitutional responsibility of the Regional Governments (now States) it presupposed that the Nigeria Police was performing the duties without constitutional backing and more so that it was not trained for such functions, the then Prime Minister therefore directed the Regional Governments to take over the functions of Motor Vehicle Administration duties from the Nigerian Police.
For the regions to be able to perform these functions, the Prime Minister approved for them to establish Motor Transport Departments. However, in conformity with the most popular of motor vehicle administration functions which was the Vehicle Inspection, they established departments known as Vehicle Inspection Offices to carryout vehicle inspection and drivers testing for issuance of driving license. This is what is still obtained in several states of the Federation.
This could be attributed to several factors. there were few roads and very few vehicles. There were no issues with traffic management and collection of road taxes was not yet popular in the regions. It will be recalled that the ECOWAS Heads of Governments also recommended same in 1965.
Expectedly, Nigerian traffic laws confer wide powers to individual State Governments to make regulations regarding matters connected with road traffic. Hence there was establishment of Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIO) in the Regions vide the various Road Traffic Acts. These Acts of Parliaments included Caps 118 of 1963, 115 of 1965 and 116 of 1967 for Northern, Western and Eastern Nigeria respectively.
The appointments of Principal Inspectors of Motor vehicles, Vehicle Inspection Officers and Licensing Officers were made, and their functions clearly spelt out. These acts were rightly adopted by various States of the Federation.
Thus, law making concerning traffic matters in Nigeria were left to State jurisdiction in recognition of the fact that traffic challenges are dynamic and differ from one state to another. It is not a mistake therefore that Motor Vehicle Administration is among residual matters in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is done in order to give States the leverage to make laws, rules and regulations relating to road traffic and safety as applicable and best for their Territories. It is also done to enable the States statutorily collect their road taxes.
To ensure a safer road network across Nigeria through proactive, technology-driven vehicle inspection and traffic safety strategies.
To reduce road traffic accidents and fatalities by ensuring vehicles meet the required safety standards.
To employ modern technology and best practices in vehicle inspection, road traffic law enforcement, and accident prevention.
To provide ongoing training and professional development for VIOs and other road traffic officers across Nigeria.
To strengthen Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and road traffic safety through policy recommendations, public awareness campaigns, and collaborations with stakeholders.
We ensures compliance with vehicle policies, including roadworthiness, licensing, hackney permits, and driver training. We also support other transport agencies.
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