STAKEHOLDERS GATHER IN ABUJA TO TACKLE ROAD ACCIDENTS

By our Correspondent

Stakeholders in the transport sector have been urged to give full support to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in its mission to ensure safer roads for socio-economic activities across the country.

This call was made by Retired Deputy Corps Marshal, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, during the 8th Annual Lecture Series of the FRSC in Abuja. He emphasized that road safety is a collective responsibility and requires active collaboration from all stakeholders.

Mr. Kazeem, who previously served as the Corps Public Education Officer under three Corps Marshals, explained that the annual lecture series was designed to bring together experts within and outside Nigeria to strengthen the initiatives and policies of the current Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, in achieving safer roads.

He highlighted the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in road rehabilitation and construction nationwide, urging stakeholders to complement the FRSC’s work in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda for the transport sector.

Commending the management of FRSC for reviving the annual lecture series, Kazeem noted that it would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations’ target of a 50 percent reduction in road crashes by 2030.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Yusuf John-Suberu, Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo on Road Safety Matters, said the lecture series exposed state traffic management agencies to new strategies for tackling road accidents. He revealed that regular engagements with transport stakeholders have already begun in Kogi State to enhance traffic administration.

Dr. John-Suberu further praised the FRSC leadership for introducing technology into road safety operations, a move he said has positioned Nigeria as a leader in road safety across Africa.

Delivering a keynote on “Road Safety Management and Emerging Transportation Trends: Global Partnership for Optimal Performance,” Mr. Saul Billingsley, Executive Director of the London-based Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Foundation, acknowledged the FRSC’s global recognition and influence, stressing that the Corps is now a key player in the international road safety community.

Former Corps Marshal, Chief Osita Chidoka, who anchored the panel session, pointed out the challenge of adapting global road safety frameworks to Nigerian realities. He stressed the need to address the high rate of motorcycle-related fatalities while harnessing rapid urban growth that is shaping travel patterns.

He noted that the discussions drew inputs from security, justice, technology, law, and academia, all of which have a crucial role in creating safer, smarter, and more secure roads.

Other panelists and participants included representatives from the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Court of Appeal, Nigerian Bar Association, University of Abuja, and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, all committing to shared responsibility for effective road safety management in Nigeria.

The event also had in attendance the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’id Ahmed Alkali; Chairman, Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna; Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN); President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, represented by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole; and Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Matthew Adamu, among others.