War on drugged driving: FRSC launches joint campaign with NDLEA and others

The Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC is collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency NESREA, and other stakeholders to carry out campaigns against the intake of illicit drugs by motorists and to promote clean environments in motor parks across the country.

The Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, who stated this while leading the heads of some government agencies and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, on a sensitization campaign at the Jabi Central Motor Park in Abuja emphasized that these measures are necessary to support the success of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda for a safe and clean environment.

Mallam Shehu Mohammed also expressed concerns over the high level of illegal trade activities and the consumption of illicit drugs in motor parks across the country maintaining that the FRSC would not hesitate to withdraw the licenses of motorists found consuming alcoholic drinks or illicit drugs.

He further assured that, this year, the FRSC will place greater emphasis on strict enforcement and the prosecution of traffic offenders to enhance effective traffic management in the country.

The Director-General, NDLEA, Retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa, appealed to motorists, especially commercial drivers, to desist from taking illicit drugs, which he described as hazardous to their health.

Represented by Assistant Commander General in charge of the FCT, Sani Tsakuwa, the NDLEA Director-General reiterated that the agency remains committed to making the country free of illicit drugs.

In her remarks, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, lamented the loss of many lives, particularly young Nigerians, in road accidents caused by commercial drivers under the influence of illicit drugs.

She urged transport union leaders to support the campaign against the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks in motor parks.

Also speaking, the Director-General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, emphasized the need for motor park managers to maintain cleanliness and stop littering the roads.

According to him, throwing refuse on the roads can damage vehicle tires and cause accidents.

Responding on behalf of the Jabi Central Motor Park, one of the leaders, Mr. Gabriel Okeh, thanked the FRSC, NDLEA, and other agencies, including non-governmental organizations, for bringing the campaign to the park and pledged the park’s readiness to support government efforts in sanitizing the area and making the roads safer.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other stakeholders inspected kiosks and shops operating within the motor park, advocating for the protection of lives and the elimination of illegal commercial activities, including the sale of illicit drugs.