In Nigeria, the Road Worthiness Certificate is a mandatory document designed to ensure that vehicles are fit for public roads, thereby promoting safety and reducing accidents.
Yet, a troubling irony persists, while vehicles are rigorously inspected, the roads themselves often fail the very test of worthiness. Potholes, eroded shoulders, collapsed bridges, and poorly lit highways raise a pressing question, are Nigerian roads truly worthy of the vehicles that traverse them?
Consider a driver who has just renewed his certificate. His car passes inspection: brakes are firm, tires are new, headlights shine bright. But once on the highway, he confronts a stark reality—deep potholes that force dangerous swerves, overloaded trucks crawling along broken lanes, and rainwater pooling into mini-lakes. In such conditions, the certificate in his glove compartment feels symbolic rather than practical. His car may be worthy, but the road is not.
This imbalance reflects a troubling double standard. Motorists face strict compliance requirements, yet road infrastructure remains neglected. Accidents often stem not from faulty vehicles but from hazardous conditions: burst tires on sharp-edged potholes, collisions due to missing road signs, or breakdowns caused by endless traffic jams. The mismatch between certification and reality is undeniable.
The consequences are severe. Families lose loved ones to preventable crashes, transport businesses suffer as vehicles deteriorate prematurely, and commuters endure stress, delays, and rising fares. In this context, the Road Worthiness Certificate becomes a bandage on a wound that requires surgery.
To uphold the true spirit of road worthiness, Nigeria must maintain roads with the same rigor applied to vehicles, enforce accountability on contractors and agencies responsible for infrastructure, leverage technology to monitor conditions and prioritize repairs, explore public-private partnerships to bridge funding gaps. Only then will the certificate regain its meaning, not as a mere piece of paper, but as part of a holistic system of safety.
Commendation is due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing new road projects in underserved communities. However, equal focus must be placed on maintaining and rehabilitating existing infrastructure.
New roads bring hope and connectivity, but neglected ones quickly become sources of frustration, accidents, and economic loss. A balanced approach, investing in both expansion and preservation, will ensure roads remain functional, safe, and durable, thereby strengthening public confidence in government’s commitment to development.
Citizens also bear responsibility. Infrastructure is a shared asset that requires collective protection. Disturbingly, allegations persist that some traffic hawkers deliberately damage highways to create artificial gridlock, exploiting congestion to sell their wares.
Such destructive practices undermine government efforts, erode progress, and turn potential solutions into fresh sources of frustration. For infrastructure to serve its purpose, citizens must embrace discipline, civic responsibility, and a culture of preservation. Only through partnership between government and the people can road projects deliver genuine relief rather than becoming symbols of neglect or sabotage.
Ultimately, the Road Worthiness Certificate is a noble idea, but it cannot exist in isolation. A vehicle is only as safe as the road it travels on. Until Nigerian roads are made truly worthy, the certificate remains a half-truth, validating cars while ignoring the crumbling paths beneath their wheels.
About the Author: Emmanuel Ajibulu is an infopreneur, writer, communication consultant, and social media influencer. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com), a general-purpose online news platform. In addition to his editorial work, he provides expertise in strategic communications and digital engagement. He can be reached via veracitydesk@gmail.com or emmanuelajibulu@gmail.com.
