The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed with members of the Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), extends the collaboration for another five years, with both sides pledging to deepen public awareness, enforcement and community engagement.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the partnership underscores the importance of synergy between government and the private sector in addressing road crashes, particularly those linked to alcohol consumption.

He stressed that saving lives on Nigerian roads requires sustained collaboration, adding that the corps would continue to work with industry players to promote responsible behaviour among motorists.

Speaking on behalf of the BSG, Thibaut Boidin, managing director of Nigerian Breweries Plc and Chairman BSG, said the renewal reflects the industry’s commitment to sustained collaboration with regulators.

He cited previous joint campaigns, including the Don’t Drink and Drive Campaign, as impactful, adding that the next phase would focus on expanding reach and strengthening implementation.

Also speaking, Girish Sharma, the managing director of Guinness Nigeria, said the industry remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote safer roads.

He noted that while alcoholic beverages are often blamed for road crashes, the real issue lies in irresponsible consumption, particularly drinking and driving.

“We are here to work with you and ensure that this programme grows bigger and delivers real impact. Saving lives is what matters most,” he said.

Similarly, Nicholas Kade, chief executive officer of International Breweries Plc, commended the FRSC for its dedication, describing the corps’ efforts as critical to making communities safer. He said the brewing industry would continue to support initiatives that promote responsible drinking and road safety.

Abiola Laseinde, the executive director of the Beer Sectoral Group, described the renewal as a milestone in public-private collaboration.

She said the partnership had driven nationwide campaigns against drunk-driving, influenced behaviour and reached millions of Nigerians with road safety messages.

Laseinde added that both parties would scale up interventions in the next five years to further reduce crashes and promote responsible alcohol consumption.

The FRSC and BSG’s partnership has been central to national campaigns discouraging drunk-driving, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the renewed agreement will deliver stronger outcomes.

The training was organised with the FRSC RS7.1 FCT Sector Command and focused on improving safety for drivers, riders and other road users.

More than 100 drivers and couriers attended the sessions, with FRSC officials leading discussions on responsible driving, traffic law compliance and defensive driving techniques. They also spoke about fatigue management and the dangers of drunk driving.

Participants received guidance on key traffic regulations, including speed limits, seatbelt use and safe overtaking. The sessions also addressed alcohol-impaired driving and the risks drivers face when they operate without adequate rest.

Bolt says the programme is part of its goal to strengthen awareness among professional drivers and reduce avoidable crashes on Nigerian roads.

Speaking on the collaboration, Bolt’s head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno said the company sees safety as central to how mobility platforms operate.

“Safety is fundamental to how mobility platforms operate, and it goes beyond technology. Partnering with the FRSC allows us to equip our driver-partners and couriers with practical knowledge to navigate Nigerian roads safely every day. Our goal is to ensure that both drivers and riders feel confident using the platform while contributing to safer cities overall.”

During the engagement, organisers also referenced findings from Bolt’s Safety Perception Survey released last year. According to the survey, two-thirds of respondents believe ride-hailing services help reduce drunk driving by offering a reliable transport alternative.

FRSC officials say partnerships like this can improve road safety outcomes. The FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix N. Theman rsss, fnarc, welcomed the initiative and encouraged drivers to follow road regulations.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Continuous education and compliance with traffic regulations are critical in preventing road crashes. We commend Bolt for working with the Corps to sensitise its drivers and couriers, and we encourage all road users to prioritise safe driving practices at all times.”

The programme included presentations, interactive sessions and open discussions. Drivers asked questions directly and received clarifications on traffic regulations and safe operating practices.

Bolt and FRSC say cooperation between regulators and private mobility platforms can help improve driver behaviour and safety awareness.

Bolt added that it will continue working with authorities and driver communities to support road safety initiatives across Nigeria.

The election, conducted fully online, recorded one of the highest turnouts in the institute’s recent history.

Out of 348 registered members, 314 were accredited to vote, and 301 valid ballots were counted. Oyeyemi secured 177 votes, defeating Anthony Onoharigho Akpoje, who polled 124. The results were confirmed by Rakiya Nuhu, Chairperson of the 2025 National Council Election Committee.

“Accordingly, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, FCILT is hereby declared the duly elected National President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria for the 2025–2027 term,” she announced.

Other council positions, including those of Vice Presidents, Mode Representatives, and the Diversity & Inclusion Officer, were returned unopposed.

Juliana Saka was returned as Deputy National President with 284 votes, while the vice presidencies went to Sani Mathew (North, 233 votes), Dr Monday Ezechukwu (East, 234 votes), and Elisha Ebah (West, 238 votes). 

Mode representatives included Dr Ajao Oluseyi for Logistics and Supply Chain, Salim Bello for Maritime, Dr William Odemwingie for Pipeline, Abdulganiyu Tijani for Road, Dauda Olabayo for Railway, and Rosemary Audu for Aviation, who polled one of the highest votes with 273. 

In addition, Queen Ajayi was chosen as Diversity and Inclusion Leader, securing 279 votes. The newly elected officers will be sworn in at the Institute’s Annual General Meeting on October 23, 2025 at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

Transformation Agenda: CILT Nigeria Finetuned

Oyeyemi’s presidency will be driven by a reform blueprint tagged “CILT Nigeria Finetuned”. The programme sets commendable targets:

• Growing membership by 60% and doubling corporate participation in four years.
• Establishing a Road Transport Sector Council to improve collaboration with regulators such as FRSC and transport unions.
• Introducing bridging courses and professional conversion tracks for fleet managers, safety officers, and logistics SMEs.
• Deploying “Transport Champions” in every Nigerian state to mentor and recruit new members.

The agenda shows a vision to place Nigeria at the top when it comes to logistics, professional training, and transport standards. It also aligns with CILT International’s broader objectives and the West African Road Safety Organisation (WARSO), where Oyeyemi has long played a central role.

Track Record in Public Service

Before this election, Oyeyemi had built a reputation as a reformer. During his tenure at the FRSC, the agency became the first law enforcement institution in Africa to earn ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification. The World Bank later named the FRSC “the best example of a road safety lead agency in Africa.”

His leadership also saw Nigeria consolidate its influence within WARSO, strengthening regional cooperation on traffic safety and logistics development.

Oyeyemi, who holds a doctorate in public administration, has been recognised with multiple awards, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2006, the National Productivity Order of Merit (2015), and the LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s Public Officer of the Year Award in the same year.

Continuity and Expansion

Dr Oyeyemi succeeds Mfon Usoro, who broadened CILT Nigeria’s reach through advocacy, professional development, and gender inclusion initiatives. His presidency is expected to deepen partnerships with government, academia, unions, and international development agencies, while also enhancing digital platforms for training and certification.

For CILT Nigeria members, the expectation is that Oyeyemi must turn his track record in reform and standard-setting into measurable results that can reposition the sector locally and globally.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation efforts, with the goal of improving Government-to-Citizen (G2C) interactions and enabling easier access to government services.

The Government Service Portal is a unified digital platform designed to enhance the delivery of public services by providing a seamless, secure, and accessible portal where citizens can interact with multiple government agencies.

Through this portal, citizens can access critical services such as NIN Registration, Immigration Services, healthcare services, and more—with little or no need to visit to physical offices.

Galaxy Backbone, a leading digital infrastructure and services provider for the Nigerian public sector, has played a pivotal role in championing e-government and  in designing and deploying the GSP.

Through its partnership with KOICA, Galaxy Backbone has ensured that the platform leverages the latest technologies, prioritizing user experience, accessibility, and cybersecurity.

KOICA has provided technical expertise, capacity-building support, and funding for the development of the portal, underscoring the shared commitment to Nigeria’s e-government strategy.

Key Highlights of the Government Service Portal:

Accelerating Digital Transformation: The GSP supports the Federal Government’s commitment to digitize public services, enabling more efficient governance and ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of location, can access essential services.

Improving Government-to-Citizen Engagement: By reducing the need for face-to-face interactions and offering real-time service tracking, the portal fosters a more transparent and responsive government, enhancing citizens’ trust in public institutions.

Secure and Accessible Services: The GSP is designed with robust cybersecurity features, ensuring that citizens’ data remains protected.

It is also mobile-friendly and accessible in multiple languages, making it easy for citizens from all parts of Nigeria to interact with government services online.

KOICA’s Role:

KOICA has provided strategic support, leveraging its expertise in e-governance and technology-driven public service delivery.

KOICA’s involvement ensures that the GSP aligns with international best practices and benefits from the lessons learned in similar successful projects globally.

Engagement Workshop with 12 Pilot Agencies:
The engagement workshop, which took place today, brought together senior officials from 12 pilot government agencies, including FMCIDE, NIMC, SMEDAN, NCC, NIPOST, FRSC, NAFDAC, NYSC, NPF, NIS, BPP and NEPC.

The goal of the workshop was to familiarize these agencies with the GSP’s features, capabilities, and integration process, and to ensure seamless service delivery as the portal goes live.

Speaking at the workshop, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, who represented the Honourable Minister, highlighted the significance of this project and the need deepened collaboration and deeper citizen engagement. ‘The Government Service Portal has the potential to change lives and I believe that through and efficient and effective collaboration we will achieve a lot for our nation’.  Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanyu, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, emphasized the significance of this initiative in transforming how government services are delivered to Nigerians. He noted:

“The Government Service Portal is a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to embracing digitalisation for improved governance. Galaxy Backbone is proud to lead this initiative, working alongside KOICA to make public services more efficient, transparent, and accessible to all. With the engagement of these pilot agencies, we are taking a major step toward a fully digitized public service ecosystem that will benefit every Nigerian citizen.”

From KOICA’s side, the Country Director, Mr. Sunjil SON, expressed the agency’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s journey toward an inclusive digital economy, stating:

“KOICA is delighted to partner with Galaxy Backbone and the Government of Nigeria in delivering a platform that will change how citizens interact with their government. This initiative aligns with our broader mission of promoting sustainable development through technology and innovation.”

Looking Ahead:

According to the statement signed by Mr. Chidi Okpala, head, Media & Corporate Communications at GBB, the successful integration of the 12 pilot agencies is a precursor to a broader rollout of the GSP across all government ministries, departments, and agencies.

This initiative will serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s e-government strategy, reducing delays, improving transparency, and empowering citizens to engage more effectively with their government.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, a significant number of Lagos’ estimated 11 million “micro enterprises” rely on street selling as their primary source of income.

Many of these vendors who have not received formal education, face potential crises due to imminent clampdown. Their ability to make ends meet becomes even more challenging.

Currently, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), is adamant about clamping down on roadside hawkers, street trading, and alcohol sales in various public spaces.

Reasons

One of the primary motivations for the clampdown is the desire to eliminate what the government perceives as an environmental menace. The state government is committed to enforcing existing environmental laws and eradicating activities that violate these laws.

Street trading on prohibited areas like roadsides, pedestrian bridges, setbacks, medians, and major highways is considered illegal. The government insists that these activities contribute to environmental degradation and disrupt the orderliness of the city.

Henry Okoli, a UK-based Business Analyst said street hawking is a common practice in most developing countries, and had to do it when he was young.

“I hated it. I was shy and found the whole experience very embarrassing and traumatic at times.”

Every time I see children hawking in the streets I feel so much anger and sadness as I can’t help but imagine that an entire generation is being wasted. I think of the opportunity cost for the nation and opportunities lost for the kids, Henry added.

Additionally, the government expresses concerns over the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks by motorists at parks, garages, and roadsides. The Lagos State Government, along with agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has been campaigning against drinking and driving to reduce road accidents.

It is believed that consuming alcoholic drinks before or while driving increases the risk of accidents. However, the continued sale of alcoholic beverages in parks, despite the ban, encourages commercial vehicle drivers to engage in this dangerous habit.

The recent seizure of alcoholic drinks worth millions of naira during a raid on parks and garages further highlights the government’s worries about the high rate of liquor sales in these areas. This concern aligns with the government’s efforts to create a safer environment and curb the consumption of alcohol by motorists, ultimately reducing the incidence of road accidents.

Furthermore, the Lagos State Government aims to promote a cleaner and more aesthetic environment in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The enforcement of environmental sanitation laws and the eradication of street hawking are seen as crucial steps toward achieving this goal.

Implications

Should traffic/street hawking be banned in Nigeria? Are the hawkers, especially the children and amateurs, fulfilling their true potential? Can this practice be regulated to improve standards with a measure of professionalism? What’s a better alternative?

It is worth noting that while the government’s clampdown on street hawking may address environmental concerns and enhance safety, there are economic implications to consider.

Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and local organizations have recognized the effectiveness of reaching consumers through the hawking channel.

Approximately 60% of goods sold by MNCs in Nigeria pass through this distribution channel before reaching the final consumer. Restricting or eliminating street hawking may disrupt this channel and impact businesses reliant on this distribution method.

Hamza Mohammed stated that if you were to interview 100 hawkers, he assures you that none of them had the ambition of becoming street hawkers when they were growing up. By offering alternatives such as employment or education, we can observe how swiftly the number of hawkers diminishes.

This principle can be applied to a majority of the problems faced by Nigerians. If an economy is created that fosters private investment, we will witness a rapid resolution of many of our issues simply by generating employment opportunities, he said.

The government emphasizes the need for pedestrians to utilize strategically-erected pedestrian bridges across major highways to ensure their safety, mitigating the risk of accidents caused by overspeeding motorists.

According to Somotun Adetola, a resident of Lagos State, the prohibition of street hawking will only be feasible when the standard of living for Nigerian citizens improves.

Currently, the state of the economy is discouraging, and a significant portion of the population struggles to make ends meet. There is a pressing need for the government to undertake substantial efforts to address these challenges.

Final Notes

In conclusion, the Lagos State Government’s clampdown on street hawking and related activities stems from its commitment to environmental preservation, road safety, and promoting a cleaner and safer state.

While the government’s efforts are aimed at addressing these concerns, it is essential to strike a balance between achieving these goals and considering the economic implications for businesses and individuals involved in street hawking.

He mentioned that President Muhammadu Buhari had given the go-ahead for the FRSC to purchase more tow trucks.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has instructed its commanding officers in a number of units to clear roadways of abandoned and malfunctioning vehicles.

This was announced by Bisi Kazeem, an FRSC spokesperson, on Friday in Abuja.

In order to prevent traffic blockage, Kazeem stated that the corps was committed to clearing abandoned and damaged automobiles from highways.

He stated that while it was more challenging to remove articulated vehicles than smaller ones, the FRSC worked every day to remove all road impediments.

The official noted that to help with the evacuation, the corps has tow vehicles in most states.

“As of today, the corps has 28 tow trucks in 23 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In states where we do not have, commanding officers leverage on public/private partnership to ensure swift removal of obstructions,” he stated. “The tow trucks are mainly in state capitals.”

According to him, if a vehicle is burnt or damaged to the level that tow trucks cannot drag it off the road, the corps will use other means to remove it.

“The corps understands the dangers of not removing broken down vehicles from the roads,” he stressed.

He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the procurement of more tow trucks for FRSC.

“These tow trucks have been inaugurated and deployed to various formations across the country,” he stated.

“With these additional facilities, rest assured that you will notice a great improvement in our operational activities, including prompt removal of obstructions.”