The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, has charged officers of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) to strengthen their relationship with the public and handle matters with professionalism and empathy.
Giwa gave the advice during a three-day leadership and capacity-building workshop for senior VIS officers and zonal heads in Lagos. The event, organised in collaboration with the Civility Institute of Nigeria, aims to enhance professionalism and rebuild public confidence in the agency.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Mrs. Bolanle Ogunlola, Giwa said the training — themed “Behind the VIO Badge: Transforming Perceptions, Building Trust” — is focused on equipping officers with leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and effective communication for improved service delivery.
He noted that public trust is rooted in transparency, consistency, and civility, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen public engagement and dispel negative perceptions about the service.
“Officers must engage citizens with respect and empathy. The lessons learned here should guide how issues are managed to reinforce trust in our operations,” Giwa stated.
The Director of VIS, Mr. Akin-George Fashola, described the workshop as a key step in ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing discipline, civility, and accountability within the agency.
“We want our officers to be true ambassadors of safety, integrity, and responsible conduct. This training supports the values we stand for behind the uniform,” Fashola said.
He added that the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to developing a more responsive and service-oriented workforce across the transport sector.