By Peter Oriri
The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs, chaired by Distinguished Senator Allwell Onyesoh (Rivers East), on Thursday urged the Nigerian Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to improve its emergency response times.
According to the Senate, the Corps’ delayed responses have contributed to the loss of lives and property, constituting an embarrassment to both the Corps and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
During the Corps’ familiarization visit to the Committee, Senator Babangida Hussaini, representing Jigawa North West Senatorial District, cited the Sallah eve Abuja-Kaduna highway accident. He urged the Corps’ leadership to take deliberate steps to improve emergency responses.
Responding to the Committee, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the FRSC is working assiduously to improve the current situation. He noted that the lack of towing trucks has limited the Commission’s operations and appealed to the Committee for intervention.
The Federal Road Safety boss also mentioned plans to launch a phone application that will show black spots and alert users about crash-prone areas while traveling on highways. The app will serve as a one-stop shop for all FRSC products and directives, providing significant information about road black spots, crash alerts, license renewal reminders, vehicle servicing, and other notable information.
Additionally, the Corps is set to leverage technology by equipping personnel with body cameras, implementing electronic booking, and reducing paperwork and costs. Mohammed emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy for fatalities in road crashes and highlighted a holistic approach to road safety, focusing on safer roads, vehicles, users, and post-crash care.
Efforts are also in place to curtail the sale of alcoholic drinks on the roads and in motor parks. Town hall meetings are planned to sensitize community leaders, residents, and transport stakeholders about the dangers of selling and consuming alcohol in these areas.
Furthermore, Mohammed suggested that the leadership could confer honorary marshal titles on members of the National Assembly to strengthen trust between the FRSC and Nigeria citizens.
Senator Allwell Onyesoh assured the FRSC leadership of the Committee’s relentless support for their initiatives. He added that the Committee would advocate for improved funding for the Corps to enable optimal functioning.
