By: Joshua Adinoyi

The Federal Government have been called upon to accord more attention to the Welfare of men and Officers of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in view of the enormous services they render in the Country.

National Chairman, Conference of Directors/Chief Road Traffic Officers (VIOS) of the Federation, Engineer Paul Bepeh, made the call at the three days National Conference of Directors/Chief Road Traffic Officers (VIOS) of the Federation 2022 Annual Conference in Kogi State.

Bepeh decried the underfunding of VIO by the government despite their relentless efforts and called for increase and better consideration for Officers of VIO Across the Country, whom he said are always on the roads doing their jobs at all times.

“We don’t have public holidays because the law that established VIO Says including public holidays so why should we still be receiving same salary with civil servants that goes to OFFICE and closes by 4pm?

“For the purpose of equity and justice and to also serve as a morale boost, the government should look into increasing our salary and also prepare better welfare packages for us” he said.

Speaking about the Conference with the theme: “Leveraging on Technology as a Tool for Motor Vehicle Administration to Enhance Road Safety, Security and Revenue”, he explained that the job description of VIOS Nationwide is enormous, hence the need to always brainstorm on issues that will lead to the success of the various Agencies in the Transport Sector.

He stressed that despite the increased numbers of various Road Agencies, the job description of VIOS is in tact, calling for more Corporation for smooth activities.

“I am happy that a program like this is put together to create avenue for us to rub minds and chart a way forward

“When we are technically equipped, the issue of revenue Generation will not be a program, our appeal is that we should focus more on safety, the other things will come” he said.

The Kogi State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Engr. Ahmed Enesi Dauda, expressed gratitude to God over the hosting right granted Kogi, describing it as a huge privilege.

Engr. Dauda noted that VIO plays critical roles in Nation building, stressing that the outfit remain committed to her duties both day and night.

While commending the efforts of Kogi State Government towards ensuring the success of the Conference in the Confluence State, he stressed the need for better welfare for men and Officers of VIO and other road traffic agencies whom he noted, works round the clock.

In his remark, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Baron Okwoli, expressed the commitment of the State Government to ensuring that VIO in the State is fully equipped with modern Technology.

Mr Okwoli who was represented by the Director Administration of the Ministry, Mr. Olunde Segun Melo said the use of technology will prevent and reduce the number of road related accidents and improve safety on the roads.

He stressed that the need to leverage on Technology to integrate motor vehicle administration that will guarantee road safety and security on roads cannot be over emphasized, hence the need to upgrade to meet up with the current changes in the Transport Sector across the globe.

Directors and Officers from various Agencies in the Transport Sector, trooped to the Reverton Hotel, Lokoja, to attend the all important Conference that is aimed at brainstorming on issues pertaining Agencies in the Transportation Sector and chat a way forward.