The Federal Government has set up a special committee to investigate and proffer solutions to the recurrent tanker and trailer accidents on major highways across the country.

The committee comprises representatives of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

Other members of the committee include representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Driving School Association of Nigeria (DSAN), Female Drivers Association (FDA), Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) as well as members of the Institute of Driving Inspectors of Nigeria (IDIN).

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali underscored the urgency of tackling the persistent accidents, which have led to tragic loss of lives and properties.

Alkali, who emphasised the urgent need to stem the tide, gave the committee one week to come up with a report, stressing that safety and efficiency were paramount in President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s development agenda.

The minister said: “The committee’s primary aim is to review and develop recommendations to address the root causes of road traffic accidents involving trailer and tanker drivers on the nation’s highways.”

He added that the committee is also expected to recommend measures that can enhance safety as well as strategies on ways to develop mandatory training and certification programmes for trailer and tanker drivers nationwide.