The Drivers Training Committee of the Ministry of Transportation has revealed that a majority of articulated vehicle drivers in Nigeria lack valid driver’s licenses and adequate road safety knowledge.

The ministry established the committee following a directive from the National Assembly mandating a training and certification programme for trailer and tanker drivers.

During a meeting on Thursday in Abuja with the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, the committee emphasised the urgent need for a retraining programme, citing the rising number of road accidents involving articulated vehicles.

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It disclosed that more than 80 per cent of drivers lack sufficient knowledge of safe driving practices. Many do not possess a valid driver’s license, while some do not have any license at all.

Jide Owatunmise, Country Director (Nigeria) of Driving Schools and Safety Alliance Africa, who represented the committee, urged immediate funding and approval for the programme.

“As you have demonstrated your ability to secure funds for constructing bus terminals, we strongly believe you can also mobilize resources to implement the retraining project, which will significantly reduce and ultimately eliminate crashes that have claimed many lives and destroyed valuable property.

“Over 80 per cent of these drivers lack the full knowledge required for safe driving. Many have no valid driver’s license, while others do not possess one at all,” he said.

Responding, the minister, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Musa Ibrahim, assured that alternative funding sources would be explored to implement the training.

“Although the training was not included in the ministry’s budget, we are exploring other avenues to ensure it takes place,” he said.