Former Corps Marshal of FRSC and President of the CILT, Boboye Oyeyemi, delivering his speech as the Chairman of the Motoring World 30th anniversary celebration at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos, on Thursday

Former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria (CILT), Boboye Oyeyemi, has commended the Publisher of Motoring World International, Femi Owoeye, for his pioneering role in advancing automotive journalism in Nigeria.

Speaking at the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the publication in Lagos, Oyeyemi described Owoeye’s contribution as a bold and visionary commitment that has helped shape the narrative of Nigeria’s transport and automotive sector over the past three decades.

He noted that when Motoring World was established in 1996, specialised automotive journalism was largely undeveloped, with little assurance that such a niche publication would survive.

“Femi Owoeye made a bold and unconventional decision to dedicate his career to documenting Nigeria’s automotive and transport sector. 30 years later, that decision has produced an institution of national importance”, he said.

Oyeyemi described the publication as a critical repository of Nigeria’s automotive history, having documented key policy shifts, industry developments, and technological transformations over the years.

According to him, Motoring World has played a significant role in promoting accountability, policy advocacy, and best practices within the transport ecosystem.

A cross section of stakeholders at the anniversary

He highlighted that the publication has chronicled major transitions, including the evolution of automotive policies, the rise of ride-hailing services, the influx of foreign vehicle brands, and emerging trends in cleaner energy vehicles.

Oyeyemi added that the publication’s three-decade archive represents an invaluable institutional memory that should guide future policy decisions in Nigeria’s transport sector.

Looking ahead, he urged government to align automotive sector growth with infrastructure development and safety standards, warning that unchecked expansion could worsen road safety challenges.

He stressed the need for deliberate policies, local manufacturing incentives, and stronger regulatory frameworks to build a structured and competitive automotive industry.

The anniversary event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, serving as a platform for reflection on the past and discussions on the future of mobility in Nigeria.

pearl

By Pearl Ngwama

Pearl Ngwama is a prominent Nigerian media professional, an advocate of Nigeria Transport Sector development and Managing Director of JustAlive Communications Ltd, publishers of JustNet News. She is the convener of the annual Nigeria Transport Summit.

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