*** Orders strict traffic law enforcement

By Francesca Hangeior.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, on Thursday, lamented the spate of fatal road crashes in September.

He specifically raised concerns about the accidents that occurred on September 8 in Niger, September 12 in Sabon Wuse, and September 15 in Kaduna State.

These three incidents, according to him, resulted in the tragic loss of at least 91 lives.
Speaking during a meeting with fleet operators and other stakeholders in Abuja, Mohammed expressed frustration that despite the government’s efforts to provide and maintain transport facilities according to global standards, many drivers continue to undermine these efforts with reckless behaviour on the roads.

He said, “While the 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 a mockery of this concerted effort by exhibiting a high level of recklessness on the roads.

” In the last month or thereabout, the Corps witnessed 3 landmark crashes that were caused by negligence, fatigue, speeding, night trips and dangerous driving. These three landmark crashes include that of Niger State which occurred on 8 September 2024 and killed 48 people, that of 12 September 2024 which killed 18 people in Sabon Wuse and that of 15 September 2024 which happened in Kaduna State leading to the death of 25 people.

“These 3 crashes alone, which proved to have been obviously avoidable, claimed the lives of 91 people. This is alarming and it calls for concern.”

Mohammed ordered commanding officers to ensure round-the-clock enforcement of traffic laws.

He also disclosed that a special operation would be conducted to checkmate the incessant accidents recorded across the country.

Mohammed said, “I am compelled to state that the spate of the crashes recently recorded is, however, very disturbing and every step must be taken to avert continued future occurrences. It is against this backdrop that I have directed Commanding Officers to ensure round-the-clock enforcement of traffic offences to mitigate these excesses. A special patrol operation will be instituted and enforcement will be carried out nationwide.”

Speaking, the President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria, Abubakar Shettima, dismissed the allegations linking the group to some of the accidents in the country.

He said, “We transport highly inflammable products through our trucks, and all the allegations being made are unfounded. We collaborate with NARTO and PTD.

” NARTO represents the truck owners, while the tanker drivers are our drivers. We always come together to make important decisions regarding safety, as it is our top priority, and we take it very seriously.

” Mohammed has been doing his best to reduce road accidents involving trucks. We’ve taken precautions, such as prohibiting our members from driving at night and advising them to rest if they feel sleepy. NARTO has also begun building rest parks for drivers to use when they need to take a break.”