The Federal Road Safety Corps has unveiled a robust strategy to reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the ember months and beyond across the country.
Speaking at the maiden town hall meeting organised by the FCT Sector Command, FRSC, on Thursday in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, emphasised the need for collective efforts to ensure road safety.
Mohammed, who was represented by the Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) in charge of operations, Hyginus Omeje, said that the essence of the gathering was to address pressing issues that affected everyone across the nation.
He said that the responsibility for creating safer roads is with every individual, civil society, and all levels of government.
“This town hall meeting aims to encourage dialogue and forge a path towards a safer motoring environment.
“Road safety is a matter of national priority because road traffic crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury globally.
“Over the years, Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) have claimed thousands of lives and left countless others disabled, in addition to the huge toll they take on our annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
“As you are all aware, FRSC has been at the centre of playing a critical role in enforcing traffic regulations, promoting safer driving practices, and educating the public about road safety matters.
“To address this, we have launched some initiatives such as staff development, strategic partnerships, digital transformation, and discipline and staff welfare, among others,” he said.
PUNCH Online explains that “ember months” are the last four months of the year ending with “ember”.
They are September, October, November, and December.
Mohammed, however, said that strategic partnership was also needed to complement the effort of the corps.
He said that the partnership was necessary to ensure every individual takes responsibility for their action on the road.
“This is the strategic imperative of this town hall meeting,” he said.
The FRSC boss emphasised that the recently launched FRSC Mobile App and the National Crash Reporting Information System were a further demonstration of the Corps’ collective resolve to make the roads safe
Mohammed said that it was expected to raise awareness and sensitise both drivers and passengers on potential causative factors of RTCs.
“It is our duty to ensure that commuters utilise these digital platforms to reduce road traffic crashes on our highways.
“Further to my assumption in May 2024, I unveiled an administrative blueprint to rejig and reposition operation strategies: train and retrain staff to align with realistic expectations: to improve strategic partnership.
“To adopt a digital transformation in our operations: and to promote discipline and staff welfare in the Corps.
“Pursuant to these objectives, we have commenced the implementation of a range of initiatives and programmes to enhance road safety in Nigeria.
“The process of harmonisation of the lower cadre ranks has already commenced while the promotion exercise for senior officers has been concluded, and the promotion exercise of the middle cadre and junior officers is on course.
“This is expected to motivate staff for greater productivity,” he said.
The FRSC boss urged stakeholders at all levels to engage in meaningful discussions to address critical challenges and explore effective solutions.
This, he said would be to safeguard lives and ensure a secure and enjoyable journey for every road user.
(NAN)
