Assessment of Vehicle Roadworthiness Inspection Practices and Their Effectiveness in Enugu State

Vehicle roadworthiness inspections are a foundational component of road safety management, yet their effectiveness in many Nigerian states remains questionable due to institutional and operational challenges. This study assesses the practices and effectiveness of vehicle roadworthiness inspections conducted by the Enugu State Vehicle Inspection Service in the South East geopolitical zone. Employing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 140 commercial vehicle operators, 30 Vehicle Inspection Officers, and transport union officials through structured questionnaires and direct observation. The study examines inspection thoroughness, frequency of compliance checks, corruption incidence, and the relationship between inspection quality and road accident rates. Findings reveal that a significant proportion of vehicles pass inspection despite observable mechanical defects, largely due to corrupt practices between operators and inspection officers. Only 41 percent of respondents reported that vehicles were physically examined during their last inspection. The study links low inspection integrity to the high rate of mechanical failure-related accidents recorded on major highways in the state. Recommendations include the introduction of computerised vehicle diagnostic systems, independent oversight of inspection processes, and severe sanctions for officers found culpable of compromise. This research contributes to policy discourse on transport safety regulation in the South East and offers a practical framework for inspection reform applicable across Nigerian states. Keywords: vehicle inspection, roadworthiness, road safety, Enugu, transport regulation.