In a bid to enhance road safety and secure cargo transportation across Nigeria, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have joined forces to launch the “Safe to Load on Nigerian Roads” initiative. This is even as the FRSC is set to launch a groundbreaking mobile app on September 5, 2024, aimed at revolutionizing road safety and public engagement across Nigeria.
This was disclosed at a programme which held on Wednesday in Apapa, and which brought together key stakeholders to address critical issues surrounding the safe movement of goods on the nation’s highways.
Speaking during his keynote address at the joint sensitization programme titled “Safe to Load on Nigerian Roads”, the Executive Secretary of the NSC; Barrister Akutah Pius Ukeyima noted that the collaboration between the NSC and FRSC, which was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is aimed at enhancing the safety of cargoes in transit across Nigerian roads. He said key initiatives under this partnership include the Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme (RTSSS), which sets minimum safety requirements for fleet operations and haulage services.
Barrister Akutah introduced the concept of Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) as a critical component of road safety. VTAs are designated public rest areas located off the road, providing truck drivers with essential services such as fuel, food, restrooms, and parking. These facilities are designed to promote the safety and security of drivers, cargoes, and vehicles in transit.
He stressed that, “Safe to Load” is not merely a slogan, but a call to action, urging all stakeholders to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, drivers are qualified, and cargoes are properly loaded and secured. The goal is to guarantee that goods reach their destinations safely and economically.
Barrister Akutah reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Federal Road Safety Corps to enhancing road safety and efficiency in cargo movement across the country. He thanked all attendees for their participation and attention.
Also speaking, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, informed that his agency is set to launch a groundbreaking mobile app on September 5, 2024, which is aimed at revolutionizing road safety and public engagement across Nigeria.
Mohammed described the new app as a “one-stop shop” which is a key part of the FRSC’s digital transformation agenda under Nigeria’s current leadership. He noted that the app will allow the public to interact seamlessly with the FRSC, providing a platform for various services, including reporting road safety concerns, completing transactions, and accessing real-time information about road conditions and safety measures.
Mohammed emphasized that the app is designed to enhance transparency and accountability within the FRSC. One of its standout features is the “eye-witness report” system, which enables users to report misconduct by FRSC officers directly to a centralized monitoring unit. This feature is expected to play a crucial role in improving the integrity of road safety operations and ensuring that officers adhere to their mandates.
“The launch of this app aligns with our commitment to leveraging technology to make our roads safer for all users.The app will also streamline processes, making it easier for the public to engage with the FRSC and access necessary services without the need for physical visits to FRSC offices.
“The app will also streamline processes, making it easier for the public to engage with the FRSC and access necessary services without the need for physical visits to FRSC offices. In addition to improving public interaction, the app will support the FRSC’s broader efforts to address road safety challenges, including monitoring the condition of vehicles on the road” he noted.
Mohammed called on all FRSC officers to use the app’s features to enforce regulations, particularly in identifying and stopping unroadworthy trucks and trailers that pose risks to road users.
Also speaking at the even, the Secretary General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Sani Bala Muhammed, called on the NSC to intervene in the growing insecurity faced by truckers while delivering cargoes.
Sani Bala highlighted the alarming increase in attacks on trucks by hoodlums, both in uniform and civilian attire, who vandalize vehicles to extort drivers. He revealed that between January and August 2024, over six trucks were involved in accidents due to such vandalism, resulting in losses amounting to billions of Naira.
The AMATO scribe described how these hoodlums smash truck windows and cut brake pipes while the trucks are in motion, putting the lives of drivers and other road users at risk.
“The situation is dire, and we urgently need the support of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to curb these criminal activities,” Muhammed stated.
He warned that if left unchecked, the actions of these hoodlums could severely impact Nigeria’s economy and the haulage industry, undermining the ease of doing business at the nation’s ports.
The programme concluded with a technical session, during which experts presented papers and engaged in discussions aimed at fostering a culture of safety on Nigerian roads.
