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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and an Egyptian firm, Automobile West African Service Limited, have partnered to invest $10 million in the manufacturing of safety kits to reduce the impact of road crashes in Nigeria.
RTEAN President, Musa Mohammed Maitakobi, stated this at the official launch of the Automobile Safety Kits, yesterday in Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy RTEAN President, Muhammad Bushara, Maitakobi said the intention is to transfer the investment to the Nigerian economy.
He said by strategically partnering with businesses, individuals, and community organizations RTEAN is determined to raise awareness of the importance of having Automobiles Safety Kits in every vehicle.
He, however, said the campaign is targeted at “encouraging car owners and drivers to equip their vehicles with comprehensive safety kits, educate individuals about the essential components that contribute to a well-equipped safety kit, and promote safe driving practices and responsible ownership by emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
“The launch of this initiative is a significant milestone for us. It represents our unwavering dedication to promoting road safety and reducing the occurrence of preventable accidents.
“We are confident that by making these safety kits easily accessible to all vehicle owners, both private, state and federal government, we can make a substantial impact on protecting lives and enhancing the overall safety culture within our country.”
According to him, the Automobile safety kit consists of reflective vests, traffic cones, safety helmets and warning triangles to increase visibility and alert other drivers in case of breakdowns or accidents.
Other components are first aid supplies, including bandages, antiseptics and wound dressing items to provide immediate care in case of injury.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of West Africa Automobile Services Ltd (WAASL), Ahmed Hafez said their collaboration with RTEAN marked a significant stride towards ensuring the safety of the 16 million members spread across Nigeria’s 36 states.
“We need collective support from all government bodies to ensure the availability and, most importantly, the utilization of these safety kits. Enforcement transforms safety from a concept into a practice, emphasizing prevention over reaction.”
“Our phased approach will leverage the Africa Free Trade Agreement, initiating the supply from Egypt. Subsequently, we plan to invest over $10 million in establishing a factory here in Nigeria, a move that will not only create job opportunities but also reduce costs for this impactful project”, he noted.
Also, Chairman Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide said it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that every effort is made to prevent road tragedies from occurring.
“The implementation of automobile safety kits is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. An automobile safety kit is not merely an accessory; it is a vital tool that can save lives in critical situations.
“Imagine the impact we can make by ensuring that every vehicle under your association’s purview is equipped with these life-saving tools.
“One of the key components of an automobile safety kit is a first-aid kit. This kit contains essential medical supplies that can provide immediate assistance in the event of an accident.
He said by equipping every vehicle with a first-aid kit, RTEAN is empowering their drivers and passengers to respond effectively to emergencies, mitigating the severity of injuries and increasing the chances of survival before professional medical help arrives.
