Motorists and residents in Ekiti State have called on the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Police to take firm action against underage drivers, urging them to impound vehicles driven by minors to reduce accidents on highways.
Many commercial drivers who spoke in Ikole-Ekiti expressed concern over the rising number of underage boys and girls behind the wheel. They said these young drivers often drive recklessly, putting lives at risk.
A motorist, Mr. Sola Ajibola, urged the FRSC to ban underage driving and punish offenders to serve as a warning to others.
“Many of them are not qualified to drive at 15, 16, or 17 years because they lack experience,” he said. “To protect their lives and those of other road users, the FRSC should start arresting them and impounding their vehicles.”
Another driver, Mr. Joseph Otunla, shared his experience, saying a speeding underage driver nearly caused his death on the highway.
Similarly, an official of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr. Moses Ojo, blamed poor parenting for the problem. He noted that many accidents have been caused by minors who drive recklessly without proper training.
“Some of these underage drivers don’t even have licences. Some forge them, while others bribe their way to get one,” Ojo alleged.
A legal practitioner, Mr. Joseph Ayodele, stated that Nigerian law permits only individuals aged 18 and above to drive.
“The Nigerian constitution defines a child as anyone under 18 and gives them rights such as education and protection. A 15-year-old is not qualified to drive or hold a licence,” he explained.
Ayodele urged the Ekiti State government and FRSC to enforce strict penalties against underage driving to reduce accidents and unnecessary deaths on the roads.
