By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards improving road safety in Nigeria.
This followed the passage for second reading a bill to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act, 2007, on Thursday.
The bill co-sponsored by Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida (APC, Ondo) and Hon. Olaide Lateef Muhammed (APC, Oyo), seeks to establish a Road Safety Special Armed Squad.
The squad will enhance the commission’s ability to prevent and minimize road traffic crashes, if the bill becomes law.
Additionally, the proposed legislation aims to grant benefits to Corps officers on the rank of Deputy Corp Marshal, including retirement benefits. This move, according to the lawmakers, will boost morale and motivation among FRSC personnel.
The bill also empowers the FRSC to manage road traffic administration and safety including preventing and minimizing road traffic crashes, supervising users of public roads, and regulating traffic.
Furthermore, the commission will have the powers to clear obstructions on public roads and educate drivers, motorists, and the public on proper road use.
In a related development, the House urged the FRSC to adopt modern technology in its operations. This includes embracing technologically-assisted enforcement systems, advanced analytics, and data platforms.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by a Kano lawmaker, Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad . Muhammad expressed concerns over the risks posed by physical checkpoints, including potential dangers to commuters.
Checkpoints, Muhammad noted, create bottlenecks during peak hours, leading to traffic jams and delays. He also cited alleged reports of FRSC officials engaging in corrupt practices at checkpoints.
The lawmaker further expressed worry over the FRSC’s practice of chasing commuters for traffic offenses at high speeds, posing risks to bystanders and leading to injuries and minor accidents.
By passing this bill and urging the FRSC to adopt modern technology, the House of Representatives demonstrates its commitment to enhancing road safety and reducing traffic-related incidents in Nigeria.
