NURTW PARTNERS WITH FRSC ON ROAD TRAFFIC CRASHES

Delighted with the corporate support from the Federal Road Safety Corps’ improved rescue services which has contributed to the tremendous success so far recorded in the Road Accident Health Insurance Scheme (RAHIS), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has reiterated its readiness to initiate sustainable strategies towards addressing the menace of road traffic crashes across the country.

Giving this assurance during a courtesy visit by the FRSC Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Osita Chidoka, the National President of the NURTW, Alhaji Gidado Haman made reference to the Corps’ initiative in Information Communication Technology through the establishment of a Call Centre in 2008 which according to feelers from the Nigerian motoring public, has reduced response time to road traffic crashes to 20 minutes.

Speaking further, Alhaji Gidado observed that inadequate funding has posed a serious challenge on the Corps’ capacity to live up to its statutory responsibly on ensuring safer roads in Nigeria.

In an earlier remark, the FRSC Corps Marshal stated that a reliable machinery has been put in place to eradicate indiscriminate issuance of drivers’ license through a compulsory professional training programme as prerequisite for issuance of license to commercial vehicle drivers.

Recalling the critical state of road transportation as the most reliable means of movement in Nigeria due to the near collapse of the railways and inland water ways in addition to the high fare for air travels, the Corps Marshal added that the FRSC is building a robust and credible data base of all drivers in Nigeria for effective management of road transport system.

He therefore sought the support of the Transport Workers’ Union leadership by instilling order in the operation of commercial driving through a disciplined road culture among its members adding that a remarkable success has been achieved among trailer and tanker Operators in Nigeria through an on-going collaboration with component Unions in the haulage industry