A stakeholder in the Tyre industry, Mr.Suleiman Akpa has attributed the folding up of Michelin and Dunlop tyre companies in Nigeria as a result of epileptic power supply being experienced over the years in the country.
Akpa made the disclosure in a chat with journalists Thursday, in Jos, the Plateau State Capital, over the viability of the tyre industry in Nigeria.
He charged Government at all levels to make the power sector their top priority, to encouraged investors to come into the country.
“It is unfortunate that most of the tyre companies in Nigeria like Michelin and Dunlop, folded up and went to other Countries as a result of epileptic power supply in the Country,” he lamented.
While supporting the ban on sub-standard tyres in Nigeria by Standard Organization of Nigeria(SON), the Stakeholder cautioned Nigerians over patronizing bad tyres.
“Some of the used tyres imported to Nigeria stayed for the period of 7 to 8 years before they are shipped into the country. People have to beware and change from the mentality of patronizing sub-standard dealers and road side sellers.
“If people are aware of the implications of buying used tyres, I don’t think they will patronize them, and if the sellers don’t have customers who patronize them, substandard tyres won’t be in the market.
” You would recall that recently, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) attributed some major accidents on the high ways in the Country to tyre bursting. This is when you have an over inflated tyre, it burst once you enter deep cut potholes,” he said.
Akpa who is the Branch Manager of Infinity Tyres in Jos, blamed the driving system in the Country, stating that some people even get their licenses without been taken for driving test.
“This means that wrong people are acquiring licenses for which they are not qualified to hold and have no knowledge of road rules and signs in the Country.
He advocated for a complete overhaul of the licensing system in Nigeria to cart away with too many unlicensed/unqualified drivers with little or no knowledge of car check or maintenance.
He added that most vehicle accidents don’t just happen but are sometimes caused by the inability of car owners to check their vehicles properly and avoid reckless driving.
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