The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Olusade Adesola has indicated the willingness of the Ministry to partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in the area of Road Safety Education for staff and people of Niger Delta Region.
He stated this when Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), led by the Central Area Unit Commander, Mr. Chukwuma Owoechakwu paid him a courtesy call in his office on Tuesday, 21 January, 2020 in Abuja.
While appreciating the role of the Organisation in providing safety on Nigeria roads, Mr. Adesola stated that “the Mandate of the Ministry is basically to develop the Niger Delta region, but to achieve the overall goal of this administration, the Ministry will ensure the safety and enhance the livelihood of the people by adhering to the guidelines and rules for safe motoring within the region”.
The Permanent Secretary observed that the enforcement of the traffic law on our roads is poor which is why there is flagrant disregard for road safety guidelines by motorists.
Reacting to the 10% World Bank Safety Component requirement for every road Construction project, the Permanent Secretary assured the FRSC Boss that the guidelines will be discussed at the next management meeting for possible implementation in all the road projects of the Ministry.
In a bid to educate the staff of the Ministry on road traffic regulations, Mr. Adesola directed the Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement Department to include Road Safety education in the monthly Lunch Time Lecture Series that will commence soon. He said the FRSC will be invited to enlighten the staff on road safety measures in one of the series.
Speaking earlier the FRSC Unit Commandant, Mr.Chukuma Owoechakwu, identified ignorance of road safety guidelines by road users as the major cause of road crash in our roads.
He explained that in other to check these attitudes, the FRSC is embarking on a public enlightenment and advocacy initiative to public institutions, to enlighten members of the public on acceptable road safety behaviours.
“We are aware of the infrastructural development efforts of the MNDA, we are also concerned that without the safety components, the intent of this projects will not be achieved” he said.
The FRSC Unit Commandant advocated for the adoption of the World Bank recommendations that, 10% of the cost component of every infrastructure project be dedicated to it’s safety component.
He suggested that the MNDA consider using safety education as part of services rendered to their catchment area.
Comment:*
Nickname*
E-mail*
Website
