The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Boboye Oyeyemi

  • FRSC records 2,805 crashes, 1602 deaths in four months

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it recorded 2, 805 road traffic crashes and 1,602 deaths across the country between September and December, 2017.

    The Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, made this known on Thursday in Makurdi at the flag-off of 2018 “Ember Months’’ campaign tagged: “Safe Driving Saves Lives”.

    Oyeyemi said that 4503 vehicles were involved in the crashes during the period, adding that the death toll recorded in the four months was out of 20,196 persons involved in the incidents.

    Represented by FRSC Sector Commander in Nasarawa State, Mrs Faustina Alegbe, Oyeyemi said that “Ember Months’’ usually recorded high number of casualties because of the struggle by most people to travel to meet their loved ones.

    He dispelled the notion that evil forces on the roads were responsible for accidents during the ember months, explaining that it was due to abuse of traffic rules by road users to reach their destinations on time.

    “The resolve of the Corps as of today is to use the media and all public enlightenment channels to proffer a way forward for the reduction of road traffic crashes.’’

    Read Also: FRSC urges drivers to rest after four hours of driving

    He advised all road users to make use of headlamps for improved visibility following the change in weather, adding that all highway drivers should endeavour to have their driver’s licence and highway codes.

    Flagging off the campaign, Benue Governor, Mr Samuel Ortom, said that his administration had embarked on the repair of roads in the state to reduce traffic crashes.

    Ortom, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Terwase Orbunde, decried the attitude of politicians who allowed their supporters to climb on top of car roofs during rallies and other political events.

    He urged FRSC to clamp down on drivers carrying passengers in their cars’ boots, and promised that his administration would partner the corps to ensure that the roads were safe for all users.

    In his welcome address, the Sector Commander, Mr David Mendie, appealed to all motorists to put their vehicles in good condition before embarking on any journey.

    Mendie appealed to the government to repair the Gboko -Aliade road, especially at Amaco Hotel and other bad roads in the state.

    He said that FRSC had resolved to reduce road traffic crashes in the state and urged all road users to obey traffic rules.

     

    NAN

  • FRSC seeks road users’ support

    Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Friday urged road users to support the drive to reduce road crashes, especially during the Ember months.

    Oyeyemi spoke in Ibadan, during the inauguration of the new office complex of FRSC RS11.3, Oyo State Sector Command, Eleyele, in Ibadan.

    The Corps Marshal said the FRSC’s effort to reduce road crashes to the barest minimum in Nigeria needed cooperation of all road users and Nigerians in general, to have the desired success.

    “We can have a crash, but let it be zero fatality because life is of essence, and we can achieve the desired result through the cooperation of everyone.

    “We are making effort that whenever a crash occurs it does not affect free movement of people,’’ Oyeyemi said.

    The Corp Marshal said the FRSC had been getting it right since inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’ s administration due to financial support.

    “When I assumed office in 2014, I discovered that the harassment by landlords and court injunctions to vacate the corps rented apartments were too much.

    “I set a target that before the end of my two term tenure, we needed to build our own offices in states where we did not have permanent offices, and by God’s grace, we have completed 11 commands now,” he said.

    The corps marshal appreciated the support given by President Muhammadu Buhari and Oyo State government toward the completion of the new office in Oyo State.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on his part, said the new office of the corps was another milestone in his administration’s quest to boost the security and welfare of people of the state in terms of safety on the roads.

    Read Also: Road crashes claim 32 lives in Edo – FRSC

    Ajimobi was represented by the deputy governor, Mr Moses Adeyemo.

    He said his government had always played a pioneering and significant role in ensuring that the overall objective for founding the corps, which was essentially road safety administration and management, was achieved.

    Ajimobi commended the corps for exhibiting a high level of professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    He urged them to do more in view of ever increasing challenges facing road users in Nigeria.

    The governor said his administration would continue to do its best to support FRSC and other security agencies in the state.

    This, he said, was to ensure that they gave their best to the people of Oyo State.

    The Oyo State Sector Commander, Cecilia Alao, said the new office of the command would motivate the officers to be more dedicated to work.

    She appreciated the support given by the federal and state governments, as well as other stakeholders in the state.

    NAN

     

  • Review age limit on FRSC recruitment, Applicants urge FG

    Some applicants at the ongoing Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recruitment on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to review the age limit of prospective candidates.

    They told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that government should review the age limit from 30 years to 35 years.

    FRSC had stipulated that candidates with First Degree and Higher National Diploma must not be more than 30 years of age.

    Also, the National Certificate of Education (NCE), National Diploma and other equivalents must not be more than 28 years.

    One of the applicants in Lagos, Mr Samuel Ogunmolu, told newsmen that majority of candidates might not make it to the final stage due to age limitation.

    Ogunmolu said that many of the applicants who were above the required age were not qualified according to the ongoing screening process.

    “We appeal to the Federal Government to consider us so that we will not turn to wasted generations.

    “This age discrimination is a big challenge to youths in this country.

    “Banking sector is a no go area as a result of the same age challenge; we are begging the government to consider us for the job,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘Ember’ months: FRSC commences monitoring of vehicles, drivers

    Another applicant, Mrs Titilayo Adebayo, told newsmen that both age and marital status had discouraged her in the screening process.

    Adebayo said that the screening procedure favoured singles and candidates below 30 years.

    “It is unfortunate that youths in this country found themselves in this situation.

    “After spending many years in schools from primary to tertiary institutions, government still denied us job because of our age, it is very unfortunate.

    “At least, it is not our fault to attain such age before applying for the job, strike in various institutions contributed with the fact that private sectors require five years working experience.

    “As a fresh graduate, obviously, I cannot produce what I do not have; I only have a year working experience which is youth service to the nation.

    “So, all these contribute to applicants attaining 30 years above before applying for the job.

    “There should be no age discrimination in this government’s work so far the applicant is fitted for the job,’’ she said.

    Adebayo urged the government to urgently review the ongoing screening to accommodate more applicants to the agency.

    “Many of us were depressed at the screening ground; though the officials are handling the situation with caution and care.

    “We know that only the applicants with the required age will be shortlisted because everything is done transparently,’’ she added.

    NAN reports that Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had said that applicants with tattoos, bow and K legs would be disqualified from its ongoing screening.

    Oyeyemi disclosed this to NAN on Tuesday while inspecting the screening at Ikeja 9 Brigades Military Cantonment in Lagos.

    “Likewise pregnant and married women, we can’t take them because that is the rule for uniform services,” Oyeyemi said.

  • Eid-El Kabir: FRSC to deploy 35,000 personnels

    … Corps to cover 45 corridors

    Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi has revealed that 35,000 personnels will be deployed during the eid celebration.

    The personnels to be deployed include 21,000 Regular Marshals and 14,000 Special Marshals respectively.

    Oyeyemi also stated that the personnels will effectively cover 45 Corridors during the Eid-El Kabir special Patrol which is expected to commence from 17 to 26 August, 2018.

    Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem made this known in a press statement.

    He stated, “As part of strategies put in place by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to trend down road traffic crashes, the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has directed the Corps’ Operatives (Regular and Special Marshals) to effectively cover 45 Corridors during the Eid-El Kabir special Patrol which is expected to commence from 17 to 26 August, 2018.

    “According to Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, the Corps has also identified possible alternative routes to ease traffic flow around the major highways. The alternative routes are: Lokoja-Kabba-Ayere-Akunu-Ise-Junction-Ile-are-Ado Ekiti, Lokoja-Kabba-Ayere, 9th Mile-Udi-Oji River-Umunze, Bauchi-Alkaleri-Kaltungo, Kaduna-Kachia-Kwoi-Manchok, Keffi-Nasarawa-Toto-Abaji-Lokoja, Lekki-Epe-Ijebu Ode.

    “Kazeem also noted that, among the corridors to be covered include: Akwanga-Lafiya-Makurdi, Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, etc.

    “Accordingly, Oyeyemi appreciated the motoring public for their cooperation in making our roads safe also stated in a special broadcast that operatives of the Corps have been directed to deploy all professional expertise to ensure that there is free flow of traffic, prompt clearing of obstructions and effective enforcement of traffic laws.

    “In the same vein, the Corps Marshal also directed that the Corps focuses on Effective Traffic Control, Wrongful Overtaking, Use of Phone while Driving, Drivers Licence Violation, Lane Discipline, Removal of Rickety vehicles on the road, Driving with Expired/ worn out tyre and without spare tyre etc.

    Read Also: FRSC recovers stolen truck in Sango-Ota

    “To achieve this feat, Kazeem revealed that the Corps has deployed 35,000 personnel as follows, 21,000 Regular Marshals and 14,000 Special Marshals respectively. Also deployed are operational equipments which include 948 vehicles in the category of 656 patrol vehicles, 113 Ambulances, 156 Admin Vehicles, 23 Tow Trucks and also 204 Bikes for metropolitan bike patrol.

    “Other equipment deployed are; Radar Guns, Breathalyzers to put a check on drunk driving, operational logistics materials are also to be fully deployed for this exercise. More so, the Corps Marshal has equally directed that all Zebras must be active 24/7 for prompt rescue operations and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported.

    “In line with the foregoing, the patrol is to run in shifts as follows 0600hrs – 1400hrs, 1400HRS – 2000hrs, 2000hrs – 2200hrs, and Night Rescue teams to be on standby across the 12 Zonal Commands, 37 Sector Commands, 201 Unit Commands, 43 Outposts and 48 Emergency Ambulance Points (Zebras).

    “The Corps will go into the exercise with the friendly collaboration with Military Units en-route or resident, The Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Security, State owned/NGO’s Ambulance service providers, National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNERS) and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

    “The Corps Marshal therefore advised all motorists to be patient on the road and ensure that they operate within the ambit of the law as the Corps is out to ensure compliance of established traffic laws. He therefore wished all travelers safe trip to their destinations as he felicitates with Muslim faithfuls.

    “For prompt rescue and emergency services, please call FRSC Toll Free numbers 122 or tweet @ www.twitter.com/FRSCNigeria, www.facebook.com/FRSCNigeria.”

  • FRSC to acquire breathalyzer to curb accidents

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is set to acquire breathalyzer to curb accidents due to motorists driving under the influence of alcohol.

    Corps Marshal of the corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi said that this is to enable the Corps run a Pilot scheme for its patrol teams within Kaduna Command, Lagos state Command and River state Command.

    Corps Public Education Officer of FRSC, Bisi Kazeem made this known in a statement.

    He stated that the  Corps Marshal has designed the commencement of the pilot scheme to focus on Training of FRSC personnel on Driving under the Influence (DUI) projects.

    He stated, “Owing to the need to constantly combat Driving under the influence of Alcohol and Drugs, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, met with a team of Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) led by the Chairman, Mr. Jordi Borrut-Bel, to discuss the implementation process of a Memorandum of Understanding which will catalyze the provision of Breathalyzers to enable the Corps run a Pilot scheme for its patrol teams within Kaduna Command, Lagos state Command and River state Command.

    Read Also: Nigeria loses N7bn to tanker accidents in 25 weeks – FRSC

    “According to the Corps Public Education Officer of FRSC, Bisi Kazeem, he stated that the Corps Marshal has designed the commencement of the pilot scheme to focus on Training of FRSC personnel on Driving under the Influence (DUI) projects, acquisition and deployment of Alcholizers for testing DUI, enforcement of DUI by field Operatives, and monitoring of enforcement of DUI.

    “Other aspects of the programme of action are: commencement of Drive Alcohol Free (DAF) campaign, FRSC/BSG to meet with FRSC stakeholders in the DAF campaign, FRSC/BSG to conduct survey on the Six Geopolitical zones on DAF campaign, Enlightenment of drivers and other road users on the dangers of drunk driving, deployment of Billboards on strategic routes across the country with “don’t drink and drive” messages.

    “The Corps Marshal equally appraised the BSG guests with the FRSC resolutions with respect to haulage transportation. Kazeem stated that Dr. Oyeyemi intimated BSG on the following which may affect the movement of BSG Products: Single Operators of Haulage must register with the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Compulsory registration with the Road Transport Safety Standardization Scheme (RTSSS) and the compulsory installation of Speed Limiters.

    “In his address, Chairman of BSG assured the Corps of their readiness to comply with FRSC standards and lead by example by preaching the need to install Speed Limiters to their members. He equally assured of the continuous collaboration with FRSC to campaign against drunk driving.

    “The Chairman thanked the Corps for its different programmes aimed at keeping the roads safe, and assured that they, as a body, will ensure members’ strict adherence to safety rules.”

  • Nigeria loses N7bn to tanker accidents in 25 weeks – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says the country has lost N7.157 billion to road traffic accidents involving 116 petroleum product tankers in the first half of 2018.

    Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ forum on haulage transportation in Abuja on Monday.

    Oyeyemi said the figure excluded the number of people killed; the cost of treatment of those injured; damage to the country’s road infrastructure; environmental impact and other collateral damages.

    He said the June 28 petroleum tanker accident at Otedola Bridge in Lagos that left 12 persons dead and 55 vehicles burnt was the worst in terms of the number of vehicles involved.

    The FRSC boss blamed road accidents involving tankers largely on noncompliance with minimum safety standards especially by tank farm owners and tanker owners/drivers in the country.

    “There is so much compromise by the tank farm owners. The tanks are supposed to carry specific litres of products, but they fill them to the brim; there is conspiracy.

    “When the drivers are going they sell these products along the highways.

    Read Also: 85 killed in Edo auto accidents – FRSC

    “Two, because of the minimum safety standards at various tank farms, they use the truck heads of different tankers to load at the tank farms.

    “When they get back to designated points they now transfer it and use their own trucks. That is why we are having these problems; there is so much compromise at the tank farms,’’ he said.

    Oyeyemi tasked relevant agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), on full enforcement of the minimum safety standards in the certification of haulage vehicles.

    “SON should work with the tank farms to ensure that only tanks that comply with the minimum safety standards are allowed to load.

    “The maximum haulage capacity for tankers operating in the country is 33,000 litres. There should be a directive that any tanker with more than 33,000 litre capacity should not be allowed to load.

    “This is why the weight and measures of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment should be more active and ensure strict enforcement of these standards,’’ he added.

    Oyeyemi thanked the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for convening the forum, which sought to find a lasting solution to incessant tanker accidents in the country.

    He urged other regulators to collaborate with the FRSC on the enforcement of safety standards in the industry.

  • Eid-el-Fitri: FRSC to cover 45 corridors

    The Federal Road Safety Corps will be covering 45 road corridors with special patrols in order to curb accidents during the Eid-el-fitri celebrations.

    Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem in a statement stated that this is to trend down on traffic crashed by at least 15% and fatalities by 30% during the period.

    According to him, the corridors are Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor.

    Also included are Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor.

    Kazeem stated, “Owing to the fact that the Federal Road Safety Corps expects a mass movement of people and goods across the length and breadth of the Country during the end of Ramadan festive season in preparation for Id – el – fitrii coupled with  a bid to trend down road traffic crashes at least  by 15% and fatalities by 30% during the period, the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has directed the Corps’ Operatives (Regular and Special Marshals) to effectively cover 45 Corridors during the Eid-El-Fitri special Patrol which is expected to commence from 13 June 2018 to 18 June 2018.

    “Among the corridors to be covered according to Bisi Kazeem, Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC  are Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, amongst others.

    Read Also: Eid-el-fitri: Buhari preaches peace, unity

    “Kazeem stated that the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has directed that all hands must be on deck to ensure free flow of traffic, reduction in road crashes, improved enforcement of traffic laws, and improved enlightenment on the proper use of roads in Nigeria as the Country approaches a busy Eid-El-Fitri celebration.

    “According to Kazeem, the Corps Marshal has directed that the Corps pays first-rate focus on Effective Traffic control, Failure to install/use Speed Limiting Device by Commercial vehicles, Overloading, Lane Indiscipline, use of Phone while driving, Number Plate violation, Driver’s Licence violation, Removal of rickety vehicles on the roads and other obstructions, Driving with expired/worn out tyres and without a spare tyre.

    “In view of the foregoing, Bisi Kazeem revealed that all patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks,  motor bikes other operational equipment in the categories of Radar Guns, Alcholyzers and all other operational logistics materials in custody of commands are to be fully deployed for this exercise, and that the Corps Marshal has equally directed that all Zebras and road side clinics  must be active 24/7 and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported.

    “The operation has been programmed to run in shift as follows 0600hrs – 1400hrs, 1400HRS – 2000hrs, 2000hrs – 2200hrs, and Night Rescue teams to be on standby at all operational Commands. The Corps will go into the exercise with the friendly collaboration with Military Units en-route or resident, The Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Security, State owned/NGO’s Ambulance service providers, National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNERS) and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

    “Consequently, the Corps Marshal calls on all road users to imbibe the attitude of proper use of the roads by not only driving to stay alive, but equally to save the lives of other road users.

    “In situations of emergency, motorists and other road users are advised to call toll free number 122.”

  • FRSC to impound truck, trailers with extra head light

    The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has said that it will start prosecuting truck and trailer driver who carry extra head light in their vehicles as well as tanker drivers carrying tomatoes and firewood on their vehicles with effect from June 1, 2018.

    Corp Marshal of the FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi who gave the warning while speaking at the National Executive Council meeting of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) in Abuja said only head light fixed by the manufacturers of the trucks will be allowed as the extra headlights often blind road users coming from the opposite side.

    He also said that tomatoes ferried by petroleum tankers are injurious to health and are not consumable, stressing that such tomatoes are largely responsible for the growing cases of cholera in the country.

    While commending members of the association for complying with use of speed limiters introduced in 2017, Oyeyemi told them they should also impress it on their drivers to avoid carrying firewood on top of their petrol tankers the fume from the fuel adds to the potency of the firewood which makes potentially dangerous.

    He disclosed that with the use of speed limiters, the rate of accidents has continued to decline, saying “We have noticed very high compliance among operators of articulated vehicles and  it is my hope that those that are yet to install the device in their vehicles will immediately embrace the policy to save the nation from avoidable menace of speed-induced crashes which account for most of the fatal cases recorded in the country.

    “Generally, comparing the indices of first quarter 2017 and corresponding period this year, there is a trending down. For the first quarter of the year, 1,945 crashes were recorded against 2,240 at the same period in 2017. Corresponding decrease was noticed in the number of people killed at 1,079 against 1,297 in 2017. 6,664 injured victims was recorded against 7,506.

    “Particularly on trucks, tankers and trailers, the country in 2017 recorded an astronomical 1,637, 359, 657 cases respectively; 1,732, 308 and 624 in 2017. Due to the implementation of the Safe-to-Load Programme, appreciable drop has been noticed. In the current year for the 1st quarter 486, 78 and 169 of the categories have been recorded.”

    He said further that “It is also interesting to note that the Federal Government has been demonstrating its commitment to improving the conditions of roads across the country.

    “This is evidenced by the level of road construction and rehabilitation going on various routes in the country with increased budgetary allocation to road infrastructure.  Let me therefore, enjoin all drivers to make use of these roads with safety consciousness and sense of appreciation.”

    National President of the Association, Alhaji Kassim Ibrahim Bataiya said it was evident that government alone cannot maintain the road network in the country, adding that private sector investment will be key to the maintenance of roads in the country under a public private partnership arrangement.

    Bataiya asked members of the association to prepare their mind to take over some of the federal and state roads and the toll gates that will be constructed on them as well as also take over the trailer packs being considered for construction across the country.

    According to him, if the government decided to involve the private sector in the management of these facilities, they will be properly and effectively managed.

    He said further that available signs indicate that the nation’s refineries will be fully operational by the end of 2019, while Dangote refinery of also expected to commence operation within the same period thereby increasing domestic supply of petroleum products.

    He told the members that the implication of this will be that bridging of petroleum product is likely to  decline and asked members to rise up to the occasion in other not to be taken unaware.

  • FRSC blames construction companies for road accidents

    The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has expressed worry over the high rate of accidents at road construction sites in the country.

    Speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Oyeyemi said that most of the accidents were caused by lack of traffic signs at diversion points in construction areas.

    “We have been having problems with the construction companies, and we have taken this up with the Minister ( Power, Works and Housing ).

    “The major problem is at diversions; we lost 22 people on the Lagos-Ibadan road just two days and 25 people recently.

    “The crash that happened between Bauchi and Kano on Feb. 13, in which school children died, was also at a diversion point in a construction area.

    “I will step up my meeting with the minister to ensure that these construction companies comply with the statutory mandate of ensuring appropriate signage in construction areas,’’ he said.

    However, Oyeyemi said that the Corps had recorded about 70 per cent compliance by commercial vehicle owners with installation of speed limiting device, whose enforcement started on Feb. 1, 2017.

    According to him, most of the local assembly plants had complied with the policy by installing the device in vehicles being produced at the factory.

    He commended the National Automotive Design and Development Council and the Dangote Group for complying with the policy.

    He said, “The only thing remaining now is to get the full buy-in of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, and we are almost at the last stage.

    “The essence of this is to cut down the rate of crashes. Notwithstanding, we have made provision in our budget this year to buy more radar guns and focus on private vehicles.’’

    Read Also: FRSC advises passengers to caution reckless drivers

    Oyeyemi stated that although accidents involving commercial vehicles had dropped, their fatality rates had remained “a bit high’’ due to the large number of people involved.

    “We are having more problems now with the private vehicles than commercial ones. The assault level is more with the private vehicles.

    “That is why we have so many court cases now; we have taken them to court, and will continue to do that.

    “We currently have about 201 mobile courts, but I am writing to the Chief Judges of the states; we want to increase it to about 300 by the end of the year so that mobile courts can be sitting every day.

    “We are not a revenue-generating agency; our aim is to deter. So, if we prosecute you now, and you are jailed for one week, it is enough for me.

    “The fine is not the issue but the attitudinal change for it to be useful to the country,’’ he added.

    NAN

  • FRSC recovers 166 stolen cars at registration points in 5 years – Oyeyemi

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ) says it has recovered over 166 stolen vehicles at registration points across the country between 2012 and 2017.

    Its Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, said this in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, on Thursday in Abuja.

    The FRSC helmsman made this known when participants of the 2018 Senior Executive Course ( SEC ) No.40 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies ( NIPSS ) visited him.

    Oyeyemi said the recovery was made through the Corps’ National Vehicle Identification Scheme ( NVIS ) platform and information sharing with other security agencies.

    He said the FRSC’s place in internal security was mostly in the area of intelligence gathering, preparation of database on critical safety/security issues and sharing same with the security community.

    Describing the incidence of insecurity in several parts of the country as worrisome, the FRSC boss underscored the need for deeper cooperation among all security agencies.

    Speaking further on the organisational framework of the Corps, Oyeyemi explained how the agency had been able to utilise both human and operational facilities to improve on the nation’s security.

    Read Also: FRSC cautions dealers against selling fake spare parts

    “FRSC, in line with global best practices, domesticated the international framework which led to the development of the first of its kind National Framework on Road Safety.

    “It also domesticates National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS), National Uniform Licencing scheme, Dash board Administration and Driving School Standardisation, among others to meet global best practices.

    “ All these are security programmes directed at ensuring the safety of lives and property,’’ he said.

    Oyeyemi explained that the States were responsible for the challenges encountered by Nigerians in the process of acquiring drivers licence.

    According to him, the FRSC is mainly saddled with the production of the licences as stated in the tripartite agreement and not dispatching or distribution to owners.

    The leader of the delegation, Prof. Celestine Bassey, said that the visit was part of a tour of strategic institutions in the country.

    Bassey said it also was part of the institute’s study on ‘Internal Security Management and Community Policing in Nigeria, a course approved by the Presidency for the set no.40 of 2018.

    NAN