By Daniel Tyokua
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi on Tuesday directed Commanding Officers across all formations of the Corps to commence immediate clampdown on rickety vehicles plying Nigerian roads.
He said the clampdown is an integral part of renewed efforts of the Corps in the year 2021 to further reduce road traffic crashes across the country.
Oyeyemi’s order was contained in a statement issued by Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC in Abuja.
It said, the riot act to operators of unworthy road vehicles plying the nation’s highways, indicates that the Zonal Commanding Officers and Sector Commanders have been given an express directive to commence a nationwide arrest, impoundment, and prosecution of owners or operators of such vehicles.
The statement explained that the operation which will be conducted nationwide, forms part of the Corps’ commitment towards enhancing the tempo of its operational activities and create a safer motoring environment in the country, premised on the realisation of its 2021 strategic goals of reducing road traffic crashes by 15% and fatalities by 20%.
While recalling the common sight of poorly maintained vehicles on the nation highways which often break down and result in obstructions of traffic flow, the Corps Marshal enjoined motorists to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles in view of inherent traffic hazards associated with abandoned broken down vehicles especially at night.
He highlighted the health, safety and economic benefits of regular vehicle maintenance, noting that if drivers and vehicle owners will adhere to constant maintenance of their vehicles, safety of lives and properties will be enhanced and the statutory role of the Corps summarised in making the over 204,000 km road network in Nigeria safe for all users.
The statement therefore called on the public to assist the Corps by reporting any rickety vehicle sighted on the road to the spokesperson through the FRSC Toll Free numbers 122 or tune into the National Traffic Radio 107.1FM to report same or any other contravention seen on the road.
