By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it will intensify its round-the-clock traffic law enforcement to reduce the alarming rate of road crashes in Nigeria.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed made this declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting, on Thursday in Abuja, citing the recent crashes in Niger, Sabon Wuse, and Kaduna states that claimed 91 lives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the last one month, the FRSC witnessed three landmark crashes that were caused by negligence, fatigue, speeding, night trips and dangerous driving.
NAN reports that these three landmark crashes include that of Niger which occurred on Sept. 8, claiming 48 lives, the Sept. 12 that killed 18 people in Sabon Wuse and that of Sept. 15 that happened in Kaduna State leading to the death of 25 people.
Mohammed said that the spate of the crashes recently recorded was however very disturbing, and every step must be taken to avert continued future occurrences.
He said that inspite measures taken by FRSC through the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) which was launched in September, 2007 to address the chaos associated with fleet operations in the country, it appeared much needed to be done.
He said that it had therefore became necessary to engage the fleet operators on minimum safety standards through training and retraining of drivers.
“It is with a deep sense of concern that I wish to address this gathering of stakeholders and the press today.
“This briefing is expected to address the current road safety challenges such as carrying inflammable substances, night trips, speeding, overloading and loading of passengers and goods.
“Also, it tends to address the devastating effects of such acts on the nation’s highways.
“It is against this backdrop that that I have directed Commanding Officers to ensure round the clock enforcement of traffic offences so as to mitigate these excesses.
“A special patrol operation will be
instituted and enforcement will be carried out nationwide,”he said.
Mohammed reiterated that the management of the Corps had already taken measures towards creating a safer motoring environment.
This, he said was by ensuring that the goals of United Nations Decade of Action for road safety 2021-2030 were implemented
He added the FRSC has also adapted to the global digital economy through the launch of the FRSC Mobile App.
“Over the years, road transport in Nigeria has witnessed tremendous development.
“This could be seen in the increased number of road networks, automobile sophistication and upsurge in human socio-economic activities carried out on the road.
“Ironically, while government continues to do its best to provide and maintain transport facilities in accordance with global best practices, some road users, especially drivers have continued to make mockery of this concerted effort.
“This in which has been by exhibiting high level of recklessness on the roads,”he said.
The FRSC boss called on all stakeholders to tackle head-on, the phenomenon of road traffic crashes adding that these challenges were a threat to national health campaign.
He said that there was need for collective action against road carnages on the highways and other prevailing challenges bedeviling the country.
Stakeholders present at the meeting pledged their continued support for the FRSC and also promised training and retraining of their drivers to tackle Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) Nationwide.
Present at the press briefing were the President, Independent Petroleum Marketers in Nigeria,(IPMAN) Alhaji Abubakar Shettima, representative of NARTO, RTEAN, Transcorp Hilton, Rock view Hotels, GIG motors.
Others are Luxurious Bus Owners Association, Adamawa states transport company, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Katisna states transport company, Benue links, among others.
