The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has instructed its personnel to begin impounding rickety vehicles plying Nigerian roads. The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, who issued the directive to Commanding Officers across all formations of the Corps said the clampdown was an integral part of readjusted efforts of the Corps in the year 2021 to further reduce road traffic crashes across the country by 15 percent and fatalities by 20 percent. Dr. Oyeyemi’s order was contained in a statement issued by Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, on Tuesday, at the National Headquarters, Abuja. The Corps Marshal said the operation, which will be implemented nationwide, forms part of the corps’ commitment towards enhancing its operational activities and creating a safer motoring environment.
Oyeyemi said the development is pegged on the realisation of FRSC’s 2021 strategic goals of reducing road traffic crashes by 15 percent and fatalities by 20 percent.
While recalling the common sight of poorly maintained vehicles on the national highways which often break down and result in obstructions of traffic flow, Dr. Oyeyemi encouraged motorists to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles in view of inherent traffic hazards linked with abandoned broken down vehicles especially at night.
He further highlighted the health, safety, and economic benefits of regular vehicle maintenance, noting that if drivers and vehicle owners will adhere to the constant maintenance of their vehicles, the safety of lives and properties will be enhanced and the statutory role of the Corps summarised in making the over 204,000 km road network in Nigeria safe for all users.
He cautioned that severe punishment awaits anyone apprehended, including impoundment of the vehicle, payment of fines, and compulsory road safety education.
“The public is therefore called to assist the Corps by reporting any rickety vehicle sighted on the road to the spokesperson through the FRSC Toll-Free numbers 122 or tune into the National Traffic Radio 107.1FM to report same or any other contravention seen on the road,” he said.
