By Ibironke Ariyo
Chief Abubakar Bello, the Hakimi of Dutse, Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on the government to consistently consider and include infrastructure that would protect the rights of various categories of road users in the territory.
Bello made the call during a stakeholders’ town hall meeting organised by the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) FCT command on accident-free “Ember Months” in Abuja on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the town hall meeting was tagged “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving, Crashes Kill More Passengers.
Bello emphasised the need for construction firms to provide pedestrian bridges to enable rural dwellers to safely access the highways.
The Hakimi of Dutse attributed one-way driving and the reckless behaviour of commercial drivers along Dutse-Bwari road to alleged corrupt practices among traffic control personnel.
“One-way driving has constantly been a major problem we face and the recklessness of drivers on the highway needs to be checked.
“We want the government to check these things and help us so that we can have accidents free celebration during the yuletide, “he said.
The traditional ruler, however urged the government to prioritise the needs of rural dwellers by enhancing road safety during the ember months.
Speaking, the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, incharge of FCT and Niger State, Hafiz Mohammed, said that the Corps would continue to engage religious and traditional institutions, as well as other critical stakeholders, in town hall meetings.
This, he said would be done consistently to promote road safety awareness and educate commuters on their rights.
Mohammed commended the FRSC Corps Marshal’s initiative in holding town hall meetings with stakeholders.
He said that around 30,000 officers and Corps members had undergone various training sessions on effective traffic management.
Also, the FCT Coordinator of Special Marshals, Mr. Sani Adisa, said that members have resolved not to relent in their contributions towards achieving zero fatalities during the end-of-year special operations.
Adisa, however, appealed to road users, especially commercial drivers, to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of Special Marshals in complementing the FRSC’s efforts to ensure road safety.
In his remarks, the FCT FRSC Sector Commander, Chorrie Muta’a urged commuters to join the campaign against reckless driving and other traffic offences.
Muta’a highlighted the importance of transport union leaders educating their members on the dangers of alcohol consumption, speeding, overloading, and other hazardous driving behaviours.
He assured that the Corps would remain committed to providing safer roads for economic activities in the territory.
Mr Abdul Bakare, speaking on behalf of other transport unions, appealed to the FRSC to find a lasting solution to the indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles along major corridors.
This, he said were particularly places like the Zuba-Giri-Gwagwalada highway adding that it would help to improve traffic management in the territory.
Other security and paramilitary agencies present at the town hall meeting pledged to support initiatives aimed at reducing Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs)across the six area councils of the territory.
