KADUNA STATE ISSUES INTERIM DRIVERS LICENSES TO MOTORCYCLE (OKADA) RIDERS.

The Kaduna State Governor, Arch. Mohammed Namadi Sambo on Tuesday, 25th March 2008 issued interim Drivers Licenses to some Motorcycle (Okada) operators in the state. Those issued with the interim Drivers Licenses were riders who had successfully completed an intensive drivers training course at the Vehicle Inspection Office Training School in Kaduna. The programme which took place at the ministry of works and Transport, Kaduna was witnessed by the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa. Other important personalities at the occasion included members of the State Executive Council. The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Kaduna State, Cdr. Edward A. Zamber (DCC) was also in attendance.

RADIO BENUE SUPORTS FRSC’S CAMPAIGN ON OVERLOADING

Radio Benue, the Benue State owned radio station has given its support to the Federal Road safety Commission’s campaign on combating the menace of overloading in the state. The Radio Benue Phone-in-programme which addressed the problem of overloading in the state was aired on Tuesday, 28 March 2008. The Command was represented at the programme by the Public Enlightenment Officer, Audu, SI (ARC) who talked extensively on the dangers of overloading, Over Speeding, Road Construction, Walk Ways and Road Signs. The station has in the past many years been actively involved in the campaign on road safety programmes through its “Final Bus Stop” programme aired daily in the station.

CORONATION OF NEW EMIR OF KATSINA: FRSC CONTROLS TRAFFIC

The Federal Road Safety Commission, Katsina and Kano State Sector Command on Thursday, 27th March 2008 had a Herculean task controlling traffic during the traditional decoration of the newly appointed Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Kabir Usman in Katsina. Thousands of people and well wishers from all over the country had trooped into Katsina to witness the coronation of the new Emir. The Katsina State Sector Command of the FRSC had to call in support from the neighboring Kano State to help contain the heavy traffic situation. The operation which was led by the Sector Commander of the Katsina State Sector Command, AA Ahmed (DCC) was very successful with no casualties recorded.

FRSC CHALLENGES LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT ON DRIVER’S LICENSE

The Federal Road Safety Commission has challenged the proposal of the Lagos State Government to produce and issue its own drivers license describing the proposal as a potential security threat to the state and Nigeria as a whole. The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Lagos State Sector Command Kayode Olagunju while briefing Newsmen in Lagos on the proposal advised motorists to shun the Lagos State Drivers License since it was only going to be valid not only in Lagos but only on the state government owned roads in the state. He also added that holders of the Lagos state drivers license would still be required to apply for and obtain the National Drivers License which according to him would amount to a confusion and double taxation.

The Lagos State government through its commissioner for Transportation, Professor Bamidele Badejo had recently told newsmen in Lagos that the Lagos State Government had concluded pans to produce and issue its Drivers Licenses and Number Plates and also recertify the National Drivers license.

However, in a swift reaction, the FRSC which has the statutory responsibility for the production of the National Drivers License has challenged the plan and accused the state government of already creating confusion and undermining national security in the National Vehicle Identification Scheme in the state. The Commission has also challenged the Lagos State Government of lacking the power to recertify the National Drivers License produced by the FRSC. The Sector Commander alleged that the number plates earlier produced and sold to motorists by the FRSC before the state government backed out form the scheme have been replicated due to improper and uncoordinated generation of numbers by the state government using the FRSC numbering codes without authorization. Also, the Sector Commander had informed that it was ironic that Lagos Government with an indebtedness to the FRSC of over Twenty Five Million (N25m) which is the highest in the country could now turn around and accuse the FRSC of non performance in the production and issuance of drivers licenses. He finally advised that, rather than creating confusion in the licensing scheme, the Lagos State Government should step up its pre licensing conditions and ensure that only qualified drivers are recommended to the FRSC to be issued licenses and also pay to the Commission money owed it in respect to large numbers of licenses already produced and issued to the state government which is used in running the scheme.

FRSC ENFORCES USE OF SEATBELTS IN ABUJA

The Federal Road Safety Commission, FCT Sector Command has again stepped up its operations specifically aimed at ensuring proper use of seatbelts by motorists in the Federal Capital Territory. The special operation which was coordinated by the FCT Sector Command involved all the Unit Commands in the FCT with a main focus towards ensuring proper use of seatbelts and extra lightings on vehicles. The special patrol which started early in April 2008 was launched by the Sector Commander of the FCT command, Mr. Nseobong Akpabio along the Zuba, Gwagwalada, Lokoja road on 2nd April 2008 in conjunction with a mobile court along the Airport road. Improper use of seatbelts by motorists and extra lightings on vehicles has generally been identified as major causes of road traffic accidents throughout the country.

KADUNA STATE GOVERNMENT DONATES TWO (2) AMBULANCES TO FRSC KADUNA.

The FRSC Kaduna State Sector Command on Thursday 3rd April 2008 took delivery of two (2) ambulance vehicles donated by the State Governor, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo. The two vehicles which were drawn from the fleet of “Operation Yaki”, an anti crime security outfit of the Kaduna State Government were donated to the FRSC when the Kaduna State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Commander Edward Zamber paid a courtesy visit to the Governor. The Governor also announced the inclusion of the FRSC into the “Operation Yaki” which is a security outfit aimed at curbing insecurity in the state. The donated vehicles have which since been released to the FRSC Kaduna State Sector Command have been handed over to the Kukau and Birnin Yero Unit Commands for prompt rescue operations along the two major highways of Kaduna – Abuja and Kaduna – Zaria roads respectively. In another development, The Kaduna State Government has donated six pieces of Motorola Walkie Talkies to the sector command for ease of communication during operations.

FRSC SABON TASHA COMMAND PARTNERS WITH STAKEHOLDERS ON ACCIDENT PREVENTION

As part of its responsibility towards accident reduction in the area, the FRSC Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State on 1st April 2008 met with the Chairman, Chikun Local Government and other relevant stakeholders in the area to discuss possible ways of cooperation towards ensuring road sanity by road users in the area. These included the NURTW, Okada Riders and the Sarkin Kasuwa of Sabo Tasha to discuss possible ways of developing strategies to reduce road traffic accidents in the area. Participants at the collaborative meeting brainstormed and suggested useful suggestions towards achieving optimum goals on road safety in the Local Government

The Management of the Federal Road Safety Commission has directed all its Commanding Officers to partner with relevant agencies all over the country with a view to developing strategies towards ensuring better road safety practices in the country.

In another development, the unit command organized a special patrol to ensure adequate compliance on overloading in its operational jurisdiction. During this operation, the command with the help of the “Operation Yaki” was able to carry out successful operation which saw many erring motorists apprehended for sundry traffic offences. Also, hoodlums who had tried to subvert the commissions operations were arrested by the police and detained at the Sabo Tasha Police Station awaiting prosecution.

FRSC SECTOR COMMAND COLLABORATES WITH AGENCIES ON HIGHWAY SANITY

In compliance with the Management directive on effective collaboration with relevant agencies towards ensuring better road safety practices in the country, the FCT Sector Commander Nseobong Akpabio has embarked on an intensive familiarization visit to government and private institutions within the FCT metropolis to open up channels of cooperation towards ensuring sanity on the highways within the FCT. The effort towards collaboration has taken the Sector Commander to such agencies as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Thisday Newspapers, FCT Fire Service, the Punch Newspapers, Julius Berger Plc, National Security and Civil Defense Corps, Arab Contractors and the Maitama Amusement Park. It is the desire of the FCT Sector Command that these attempts at cooperation will enhance an indebt awareness on better road safety practices in the FCT and further reduce the rate and severity of Road Traffic Accidents.

ZAMFARA STATE GOVERNMENT DONATES PATROL VEHICLES TO FRSC

As part of her contribution towards enhancing FRSC’s operational activities in his state, the Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji M. Shinkafi has donated three (3) vehicles to the Zamfara State Command of the FRSC to boost its operations in the state. This donation was a redemption of an earlier pledge made by the Governor when the FRSC Sector Commander paid a courtesy visit to the Governor in his office in Gusau, the state capital.

The Sector Command has already taken delivery of the vehicles which will be used in enhancing FRSC’s patrol operation in the state.

In a related development, the Governors of Bauchi and Edo State have also donated patrol vehicles to the Federal Road Safety Commission in their States for ease of operations. Already, the FRSC has taken delivery of the patrol vehicles and motorbikes and committed them into full patrol in the respective states.

NIMASA DONATES 2 PATROL VEHICLES TO FRSC

The Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) has donated two Hilux Pick-Up Vehicles to the Apapa Unit Command of the Federal Road safety Commission. The two patrol vehicles which have already been formally been presented to the Unit Command will help to provide logistic support for ease of operations at the Apapa Wharf. The FRSC in March 2008 had established a Unit Command on Burma road, Apapa in Lagos State to specifically address the perennial problem of traffic congestion on the Apapa wharf access roads. The problem of traffic control at the Apapa wharf access roads notably by trucks and tankers has in the past many years posed a serious challenge to efforts at road traffic management in the area and Lagos state in general which lead to the emergence of the Lagos Ports Access Rods Monitoring Unit (LAPARMU) by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The FRSC has in the past contributed 40% of personnel to LAPARMU operations. With the establishment of the Apapa Unit Command and the provision of adequate logistic support, the FRSC is expected to assume full responsibility of road traffic management in the area.

FRSC PARLYS WITH NIGERIA UNION OF JOURNALISTS ON PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT

The Zonal Commanding Officer of the FRSC Zone 11, Osogbo, Mr Louis Nwogu has taken steps toward opening up channels of cooperation with the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) towards enhancing public education and enlightenment on better road safety practices in the Zone. The ZCO was a guest of the NUJ recently upon assumption of office as the New Zonal Commanding Officer in Osogbo. He was received by the State Chairman of the NUJ in Osun State, Pastor Seun Adeoye, the Deputy Chairman, Patrice Dotun Fasakomi and other principal officers of the Union. The ZCO thanked the leadership of the Union not only for the warm reception accorded him but also for the support and cooperation FRSC has received from the press in the State. He also solicited for continued cooperation in the future. In response, the Chairman of the NUJ, Pastor Seun Adeoye thanked the ZCO for the honor done the Union and described the Commission as an elite organization whose image and contributions in the reduction of road traffic accidents in Nigeria is well acclaimed. The Chairman promised to cooperate with the Commission in the fight against carnage on the roads.

SHOT ROAD SAFETY OFFICER LAID TO REST

The remains of FRSC officer, Mr Christopher Ekawukwu Otele John from Orlu Unit Command in Imo State shot by armed robbers while on duty was on Tuesday, 27th May 2008 laid to rest at his home town, Ohumere, Agbor in Delta State. Mr Otele, who until his death was a Route Commander working in the Orlu Unit Command, was shot by armed robbers while on patrol. Mr Otele’s body was brought into the Orlu Unit Command from the Imo State University Teaching Hospital at about 1700HRS for a brief lying-in-state where officers, marshals, special marshals and members of the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA) paid their last respect. The condolence message by the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the Commission Osita Chodoka was presented by the Zonal Commanding Officer of FRSC Zone 9, Commander Oludare Fadogba(CC).

FRSC ZONE 11 OSHOGBO SOLICITS POLICE COOPERATION

The cooperation of the Nigerian Police has been solicited in promoting FRSC operations in Osogbo and its environs. The Zonal Commanding Officer of FRSC Zone 11, Osogbo , Mr Louis Nwogu (ACM), made this call when he paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone XI, Mr Emmanuel Anuniru at his office in Osogbo. The AIG who is newly posted to the Zone expressed delight to the FRSC visiting team which he described as a sister organization working collectively towards achieving common national goals and promised total Police cooperation. He informed the FRSC visiting team that his Zone had taken delivery of a 20 - ton heavy - duty towing vehicle which the FRSC was at liberty to fully utilize in clearing obstructions on the highway. He also promised to return the visit as a mark of appreciation.

The Zonal Commanding Officer was accompanied on the visit by the Sector Commander of the Osun State Sector Command, the Zonal Head of Operations and other principal officers of the Commission

FRSC TO IMPOUND RIGHT- HAND DRIVE VEHICLES

The Lagos State Sector Command of the FRSC has commenced impoundment of Right Hand Driven vehicles in the State. The Command is particularly disturbed that 36 years after the official prohibition of the use of Right - Hand Drive vehicles in the Country through the Change over Act of 1972, many Nigerians still import and use these category of vehicles.

The Sector Commander of the Lagos State Sector Command of the FRSC, Kayode Olagunju (CC) disclosed that the grievous issues of safety and security concern have compelled the FRSC to effectively enforce the removal of these categories of vehicles from the Nigeria roads. The National Headquarters of FRSC has noted with great concern the growing number of Right Hand - Drive Vehicles in the country and their potential for road traffic accidents. It is to noted that the driver’s position and the steering apparatus of such vehicles do not align with basic requirements for maximum safety on the road.

Subsequently, the national Headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Commission had convened a meeting of relevant stakeholders earlier this year, to address the menace of the continuous influx and use of right hand Drive Vehicles in Nigeria. Relevant stakeholders were drawn from the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organizations of Nigeria, Consumers Protection Council, Road Traffic Services (VIO), National Automotive Council and the National Association of Motor Dealers.

FRSC ARRESTS 4,373 TRAFFIC OFFENDERS IN LAGOS

The Federal Road Safety Commission, Lagos State Sector Command has arrested a total of Four Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy Three (4373) Road Traffic offenders accounting for a total of Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy Nine (5379) Traffic Offences in the ongoing Special Operation tagged “Operation Road Flush”. The Operation which started on the 14th March 2008 has also led to the impoundment of One Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixteen (1271) vehicles for sundry road traffic offences.

The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Lagos State Sector Command, Kayode Olagunju (CC) who provide this information also informed that the most prominent offences included overloading, driving against traffic, use of phones while riving, use of mechanically deificient vehicles, speed violations, hanging bus conductors, insecure loading, reckless driving, wrong parking and obstruction.

Commander Olagunju also informed that the operations covered the entire state with 635 (Six Hundred and Thirty Five) of the offenders arrested around the Agege/Ojodu/Berger, Lagos – Ibadan Express way axis. Two Hundred and Twenty (220) offenders arrested in Ojota area, One Hundred and Nine (109) from Apapa, One Hundred and Eight (108) from Badagry and One Hundred and Seven (107) from Surulere area. In addition, Eighty One (81) offenders each were arrested around Yaba/ Jibowu and Lagos Island areas. Seventy Three (73) from Ikeja, Sixty Nine (69) from Epe Town, Fifty Five from Oshodi, Forty Nine (49)from Ojo/Iyan Iba area, Forty (40) from Lekki, Forty Nine (49) from Isolo and Forty One (41) from Ikotun/Egbe areas of the State. All the Fifteen (15) Unit Commands in the State and the Sector Command participated in the Special Operations.