The 2026 Annual Train-the-Trainer Programme for Driving School Proprietors and Instructors, held at the Eko FM Multipurpose Hall in Agidingbi, Lagos, focused on strengthening professional standards within the driving school sector and equipping instructors with knowledge needed to better prepare motorists for the realities of road use.
The programme, themed “Enhancing Road Safety Through Continuous Training and Education of Driving School Operators in Lagos State,” brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector and the driving school industry.
The training underscored the important role driving schools play in shaping motorists’ attitudes and behaviour from the earliest stages of their driving experience. Participants were exposed to issues including defensive driving, hazard awareness, continuous professional development, changes in traffic regulations, developments in vehicle technology and responsible road use.
‘Road safety is a moral imperative’
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Honourable Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described driving instructors as key influencers in the development of a strong road safety culture.
He stressed the need for improved instructor certification, standardised training procedures, rigorous testing and continuous professional development to ensure that driving instructors remain equipped to produce competent and safety-conscious motorists.
“The war for road safety is not a luxury; it is a moral imperative,” he said.
The commissioner’s remarks highlighted the importance of looking beyond the mere acquisition of driving licences, with sustained education and professional development required to ensure that motorists understand their responsibilities on the road.
General Manager of LASDRI, Mrs. Afusat Abike Tiamiyu, also emphasised the need for regular refresher training for driving school proprietors and instructors.
According to her, continuous training would enable practitioners to keep up with changing driving practices, technological developments and evolving road safety requirements.
Tiamiyu further urged driving schools to maintain high professional standards, stressing that certificates should only be issued to individuals who have successfully completed the required training.
Guinness reinforces ‘If you drive, don’t drink’ message
For Guinness Nigeria, the partnership with LASDRI provides an opportunity to take responsible drinking education directly to professionals who help shape motorists’ behaviour.
The company used the platform to reinforce its road safety message: “If you drive, don’t drink.”
Corporate Relations and Legal Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Rotimi Odusola, said the company’s involvement formed part of its wider commitment to responsible drinking and the wellbeing of communities.
“At Guinness Nigeria, we believe responsible drinking is not just about how our products are consumed, but also about making choices that protect people and communities,” he said.
Odusola explained that working with LASDRI enables the company to support road safety at a critical point — where driving habits and attitudes are established.
“By equipping instructors with the right knowledge and reinforcing the message that alcohol and driving do not mix, we can help influence safer choices among current and future drivers. If you drive, don’t drink,” he said.
Stakeholders call for sustained road safety efforts
The partnership comes as Lagos continues to intensify efforts to improve road safety and promote responsible behaviour among motorists.
LASDRI’s initiatives include advocacy among motorists and specialised training for commercial drivers, while preparations are also under way for the state’s annual Ember Months road safety campaign, a period traditionally associated with increased movement and heightened road safety concerns.
The gathering provided an avenue for government agencies, driving school operators and private-sector stakeholders to strengthen collaboration around the state’s road safety objectives.
Stakeholders at the programme stressed that building safer roads requires sustained education and cooperation rather than one-off interventions. By strengthening the capacity of driving instructors, the initiative seeks to ensure that responsible driving habits are instilled before new motorists begin navigating Lagos roads independently.
Guinness Nigeria said it would continue to support initiatives that promote responsible drinking, encourage safer decision-making and contribute to a safer road environment across Lagos State.
The company’s continued collaboration with LASDRI therefore places responsible alcohol consumption within the broader conversation on road safety, while reinforcing the message that drinking and driving are incompatible choices.