OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
In a bold step towards enhancing road safety and aligning with global best practices, the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) has officially adopted and commenced the implementation of the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative for the road transportation sector in Nigeria.
This milestone demonstrates TOAN’s strong commitment to improving the safety, well-being and operational standards of its members and the wider Nigerian public.
This strategic move is in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s active pursuit of the Global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries from road traffic crashes by 50% before the year 2030.
The Federal Ministry of Transportation has been at the forefront of this national effort, developing and supporting policies that promote safer mobility, better traffic management, and the integration of innovative road safety programs at all levels.
The Pre and Post-Crash Initiative is a comprehensive approach that focuses on risk reduction before crashes occur, and efficient emergency response and recovery in the aftermath of accidents.
TOAN’s adoption of this initiative marks a significant turning point in the informal transportation sector, especially among tricycle operators who are a critical component of urban and semi-urban mobility in Nigeria.
Under the leadership of its new National Executive, headed by High Chief (Hon) Comrade Godwin Adokeme, TOAN has begun reforms that prioritize safety, accountability, and collaboration with relevant government agencies.
Speaking on the development, the new National President of TOAN Honourable Comrade Godwin Adokeme emphasized the association’s readiness to support the Federal Government’s road safety agenda, stating:
"Our decision to embrace the Pre and Post-Crash Initiative is a clear reflection of our desire to align with the national vision for safer roads. We are fully committed to working with the Ministry of Transportation and other stakeholders to save lives and improve the overall transport experience for Nigerians.”
He concluded by thanking the leadership drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for providing such platform through the Federal Ministry of Transportation that TOAN could use to improve the welfare of its riders and passengers all over Nigeria.
The initiative is in line with the National Road Traffic Regulation 2012 (Part XII, Section 119 – Vehicle Checklist) and the Nigerian Highway Code (Part One, Section E - Vehicle Checklist) which mandates that all vehicle owners should acquire first aid kits that could be used to save lives during road traffic crashes on the Nigerian road.
TOAN’s implementation of this initiative includes capacity building for tricycle riders, the introduction of safety protocols, public awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships with emergency response units, hospitals, and traffic enforcement agencies.
As Nigeria pushes forward in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals related to road safety, the active involvement of transport unions like TOAN is a welcome and necessary development.
The comprehensive implementation of the programme would encourage proper Implementation of the Legal and Policy Frameworks, Enhance Road Data Management, Reduce Death due to Road Crashes, Increase Capacity Building of Road Users and Relevant Stakeholders, aid National Integration, assist in the Provision of Road Safety Infrastructure/Facilities and Improve Institutional Coordination among relevant stakeholders.
This initiative not only reinforces the federal government’s drive to modernize and regulate the informal transport sector, but also signals a new era of responsible and safety-conscious leadership within TOAN.
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