News
FRSC expresses worry over fatal crashes
*** 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.”
Hon. Professor Paul Sunday Nnamchi, was among the twenty eminent Nigerians including seating governors of four states who were honoured by the Verbatim Magazine at the Late General Yaradua Centre recently.
He was recognized by the investigative journal for excellence and quality leadership in legislative performance for year 2024 based on his contributions in the plenary of the House of Representatives, the number of Bills and motions he has sponsored so far.
Professor Nnamchi was last year rated the most performing legislator from the southeast by the authoritative organ of the National Assembly, “The Order Paper” which evaluates the work rates of the legislators annually.
As at the end of March, 2025, the lawmaker who represents Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives has sponsored thirty-six Bills and over twenty impactful motions in the House. Over twenty of the Bills have passed second reading.
Speaking at the well attended Verbatim 13Th Anniversary Lecture delivered by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, the magazine Editor, Mr Tobs Agbaegbu, affirmed that the awardees were carefully selected through in-depth evaluation and investigation by its team of editors.
He stressed that the magazine has established itself as a leader in investigative journalism and as such would not be associated with questionable awards that lack merits.
The award recipients cut across private and public sectors’ practitioners, governors, legislators, military officers and journalists all of whom had distinguished themselves in leadership as Trail Blazers in their chosen careers.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The presidency has debunked reports that the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu has been replaced, describing it as ‘fake news.’
“Disregard any fake news making the rounds about the replacement of the INEC Chairman.
“Any such announcement will come from the SGF’s office or the any other official source.” – O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Digital Media and New Media.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, and India, as part of preparations for the upcoming Hajj season.
Officials speaking to ARY News said, “The suspension of Umrah, business, and family visit visas is aimed at preventing unregistered individuals from attempting to perform the pilgrimage.”
The move comes amid concerns over the rising number of pilgrims attempting to join Hajj without official permits. In recent years, many visitors have overstayed their visas, contributing to overcrowding and serious safety risks.
Authorities also expressed concern over the misuse of business or family visit visas by individuals who enter the Kingdom and work illegally, a violation that “disrupts the labour market and breaches visa conditions.”
The Saudi foreign ministry stated that the new measures were implemented “to streamline travel procedures and enhance safety during Hajj.
It added, “Individuals found to be staying in the Kingdom illegally may face a five-year entry ban.”
The countries affected by the ban are India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco.
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