Road users want government to fix deplorable roads

As FRSC flags off ember month campaign, caution motorists on road safety
Truck drivers under the auspices of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA) have called on the federal and state governments to fix deplorable roads in Nigeria.

According to them, failed road infrastructure across the country contributes largely to the myriad of accidents recorded in Nigeria.

The drivers spoke in Lagos on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony of the 2020 ember month campaign organized by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos Airport Unit Command.

The drivers, who decried the attitude of some of the FRSC officials extorting them on the highway, wondered if the agency is unified across the federation.

They said most officials see truck drivers as touts thereby frustrating them on duty even when their vehicle papers are complete and safety protocols duly observed.

Responding to the plight of the drivers, the Unit Commander, Judge Daniels, alluded to the fact that Nigerian roads are deplorable, stating that the Corp usually carries out road assessment on a monthly basis and reports to the Federal Ministry of Works to take actions.

However, Daniel cautioned motorists to be careful while plying bad roads.

He said the essence of the campaign was to sensitise the motoring public on the need to be safety conscious, especially during the yuletide.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Drive safe, stay safe’, he said it reflects what the world is currently going through, that is the COVID 19 pandemic that is ravaging both developed and developing countries.

According to him, as of today, more than 1.4 million people have died and the world is still struggling to find a cure as it expects another wave.

He said Nigerians have equally died from the global pandemic; to this end, the FRSC is reminding the motoring public and all Nigerians to be mindful of COVID-19 and to stay safe.

Daniels said as the year gradually comes to an end, vehicular as well as human activities would increase tremendously due to last-minute socio-economic activities occasioned by the ember months.

Daniels said the human factor contributes 85 per cent of crashes on our roads. To reduce crashes on our roads the human attitude would have to change for the better.

Also, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) called on all stakeholders to be mindful and careful of lives and properties.

This, according to CEPEJ is highly necessary as the season is a period where all road users are usually hyperactive and in a hurry to get to their destinations.

Advocacy and Communications Manager, CEPEJ Lagos, Mrs. Victoria Ajayi, said there is a need for road users to be safety conscious, avoid all occurrences that would cause accidents and above all, drive safely.

According to her, “Safety is everyone’s business. It is not to be left in the hands of road officials or corps marshals alone. Everyone should have the mindset that it is our responsibility to be safe this season and beyond,” she said.