Muyideen Aliyu, llorin.
Kwara State Government has commenced the recertification exercise for privately owned motor parks across the state as part of its ongoing transport sector reforms aimed at improving service delivery.
The exercise, which is part of ongoing efforts to improve safety, orderliness, and operational standards within the sector.
Speaking at the event, the State. Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, said the initiative aligns with the administration of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to repositioning the transportation sector in line with acceptable standards and global best practices.
He described transportation as a critical component of economic and social development, stressing the need for proper regulation to ensure safety, convenience, and overall benefit to the public.
According to the Commissioner, the recertification exercise is designed to ensure that all private motor parks comply with established guidelines, including safety measures, environmental standards, traffic management, passenger welfare, operational licensing, and security requirements.
He explained that the second phase places greater emphasis on compliance monitoring, operational efficiency, professionalism among operators, and sustained adherence to approved government standards.
Lafia noted that the first phase of the exercise enabled the Ministry to assess operational standards across private motor parks in the state.
While significant progress was recorded, he said there were areas requiring improvement, including operational licensing, environmental sanitation, traffic management, passenger safety, and security compliance.
He added that the second phase is aimed at strengthening compliance, promoting professionalism, discouraging illegal activities, and ensuring that all privately owned motor parks operate within approved government standards.
The Commissioner commended transport union leaders, stakeholders, and operators for their cooperation during the first phase and urged continued support for government initiatives.
He emphasized that the exercise is not punitive but is intended to enhance standards, boost public confidence, and create a more conducive operating environment for both operators and commuters.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Kabiru Salau Abdullahi, described the recertification exercise as a key part of the Ministry’s regulatory and oversight functions.
He noted that the second phase focuses on reinforcing compliance and identifying areas for improvement.
He encouraged operators to embrace the process as an opportunity to align with best practices and contribute to a safer, more organized, and efficient transport system in Kwara State.
Representatives of private motor park owners and transport operators expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued support and commitment to reforming the sector.
They noted that the recertification exercise would enhance operational standards, promote professionalism, and improve service delivery.
They pledged their continued cooperation with government policies aimed at strengthening the transport system, noting that ongoing reforms would make transportation safer, more reliable, and more efficient for commuters across the state.
Participating transport operators in this phase include Afenifere Transport Service, Ayobami Transport Service, Winners Express Travels, Benue Links Nig. Ltd, Kobad Express, Safetrip Ltd, Trustlinks Automobile Concepts, El-Lado Mass Transit, A R A Salam Triumph Transport Service Ltd, IQ Sowbel Logistics Company, and Dan-Alikali Global Transport Service.