NUJ urges collaboration between FRSC, FERMA, Works ministry to reduce highway carnage
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta State Sector Command, has been urged to synergize with relevant authorities to reduce the spate of carnage on the highways.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) , Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe made the call when he led the NUJ Delta State Working Committee on a courtesy call on the State Sector Commander, Udueme Eshiet, in Asaba.
A Cross Section of NUJ exco & members & FRSC officersÂ
He stated the need for the highways to be free from encumbrances, noting that there were lots of broken down vehicles and obstructions that are posing threat to lives and properties on the highways.
Moreover, he observed the indiscriminate parking of heavy duty trucks along the road, as capable of causing accidents.
Oyowe suggested that the corps should liaise with the state Ministry of Transport to get a heavy duty tow truck to help facilitate the clearance of obstacles from the highways.
Imploring FRSC in the state to team up the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to put bad portions of the roads in order, he noted that good roads would reduce accidents.
The NUJ chairman frowned at the activities of some officers whom he noted lacked good relationship with the public, calling on Corps Commander Eshiet to help control their excesses.
Oyowe also harped on the need for the sector command to have regular interactions with journalists so as to help disseminate proper information to the public.
The chairman, however, commended the sector commander and his officers on their efforts in ensuring the safety of lives and property on highway as well as their operations in reducing gridlock on the Benin-Warri Road, Benin-Asaba-Onitsha Road and Ughelli-Asaba Road.
Comrade Oyowe said the visit was aimed at fostering synergy between the NUJ and FRSC, while bringing the concerns of the motoring public to the command’s notice.
Responding, the state Sector Commander appreciated members of the NUJ for visiting the command, observing that journalists were major stakeholders in ensuring the safety of road users.
Sector Commander Eshiet affirmed that the removal of obstructions from highways was one of the mandate of the corps, adding that issues mentioned were being addressed on daily basis.
He disclosed that the command’s old heavy tow truck lacked the capacity to perform many towing tasks, saying that they sometimes rely on Anambra State Command’s tow truck to clear the roads of all obstructions that would have caused traffic jams.
Observing that FRSC was not into road construction, he said that the corps only report to authorities in charge of road repairs.
He appreciated Governor Sherrif Oborevwori of Delta State for his palliative measures on some bad portions of federal roads in the state, saying that the ongoing flyover construction project awarded to Julius Berger Nig. Ltd would reduce the traffic jam in the Warri axis of the state.
On erring staff, he said that the corps does not tolerate misconduct.
The Commander declared that the intelligence department of FRSC, charged with the responsibility of monitoring the activities officers ensures that culpable officers of the corps were disciplined.
Also to inform staff on the implications of their actions, the sector Commander said that he organized regular talks for the officers.
Eshiet revealed that the command would launch a special exercise to stop vehicles and enlighten them on what might not be in their vehicle with out booking them.
He told the NUJ leadership that the new initiative will also feature taking safety awareness campaigns to religious houses, motor parks and other public places.
Expressing his dedication to do more in changing the face of FRSC in the state, Eshiet said the command is poised to stop all forms of extortions from motorists to endear public confidence.
He noted that two road audit had been done between December 2023 and January 2024, assuring that repairs would soon begin on the roads.
He emphasized the need for partnership with NUJ, stressing his devotedness to deliver on the mandate of the FRSC.
