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VIOs Set to Host National Conference on Road Safety and Security in Jos
The National Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers (VIOs) of the Federation held a press briefing in Jos ahead of its upcoming national conference themed “Enhancing National Security and Road Traffic Safety Through Effective Motor Vehicle Administration in Nigeria.”
The event, which took place at the Ministry of Information, Plateau State, opened and closed with the national anthem and brought together key officials from the transport sector to discuss safety, technology, and the state’s readiness to host delegates nationwide.
Speaking during the briefing, Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang, Commissioner for Transport, highlighted recent innovations in the state’s transport system including the introduction of City Metro Buses and new safety measures for commuters.
“The ministry has adopted safety measures in tracking the movement of motorcycles between the Bukuru–Jos metropolis, using QR codes for commuters to verify their riders’ details,” he said.
He also revealed that a situation room has been established within the ministry to monitor real-time activities of motorists at major roundabouts across the city — a move aimed at boosting both traffic management and public safety.
The Commissioner thanked the VIO leadership for choosing Plateau State to host this year’s conference, scheduled to begin on October 28, 2025, at Steffan’s Hotel, Jos.
Representing the National Chairman, Engr. (Sir) Paul Bepeh, the General Secretary Durojaye Babawale Olalekan commended Plateau State for its hospitality and readiness.
He emphasized the broader link between road safety and national security, describing motor vehicle administration as a foundation for a safer and more stable Nigeria.
“The administration of motor vehicles is far more than a matter of routine regulation,” he said. “It is a pillar of national security.”
Olalekan added that the upcoming conference would focus on improving vehicle registration, inspection, and enforcement processes through digital transformation and stronger interagency collaboration.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Jummia S. Adamu, appreciated participants and media representatives for their presence and partnership in promoting road safety awareness.
The press briefing ended with optimism and a renewed commitment from the VIOs to make Nigeria’s roads safer, more secure, and better managed for all.
The federal government has announced that nearly 10,000 Nigerians benefited from specialist medical services, surgeries and other healthcare interventions under the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Health Impact Initiative (NDHII).
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Saturday at the National Diaspora Merit Award Dinner and closing ceremony of the 2026 Diaspora Health Impact Initiative held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.
Mr Salako said the initiative brought together thousands of Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora who voluntarily returned to the country to provide specialist medical services, conduct surgeries, mentor healthcare workers and support local health systems.
He described the programme as a demonstration of patriotism and an example of how diaspora expertise could help improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
According to him, diaspora medical teams drawn from organisations in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Germany and South Africa delivered medical interventions across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Healthcare services
Mr Salako said the initiative provided medical consultations, specialist surgeries, diagnostic services, telemedicine, sickle cell screening and other healthcare interventions to nearly 10,000 Nigerians.
He added that more than 2,000 frontline healthcare workers were trained during the programme to strengthen the country’s capacity to provide quality healthcare after the medical missions ended.
Among the achievements highlighted by the minister were the training of over 1,000 frontline health workers on the Safer Births Bundle of Care in Kano, Kaduna and Sokoto states.
He also said more than 4,000 medical consultations and over 500 surgeries were carried out in Enugu, Imo and Abia states.
According to him, advanced interventional radiology, neurosurgery and endoscopy procedures were performed in Lagos, while healthcare workers in Edo State received training on ultrasound-based diagnosis of endometriosis.
He added that telemedicine and primary healthcare services were expanded in the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State through the initiative.
Government plans
Mr Salako said the federal government would continue to strengthen engagement with Nigerian health professionals abroad by simplifying licensing procedures, facilitating locum arrangements and supporting customs and visa waivers for medical missions.
He added that the government would also encourage diaspora investment in hospitals, diagnostic centres and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
While acknowledging the migration of Nigerian health professionals, Mr Salako said the Tinubu administration was implementing reforms to improve healthcare financing, infrastructure, workforce welfare, and professional development.
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He urged Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad to register on the newly launched Nigerians in Diaspora Advanced Health Programme (NiDAH) Portal and the Diaspora Health Registry to enable them to contribute more effectively to the country’s health sector.
Mr Salako also called for sustained collaboration through telemedicine, digital health, structured training partnerships, joint clinical research, technology transfer and public-private partnerships.
He commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), state governments, development partners and members of the joint planning committee for supporting the successful implementation of the initiative.
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