The House of Representatives on Thursday, took steps towards ensuring road safety in Nigeria.
This followed the passage of a second reading of a bill to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, of 2007.
The bill co-sponsored by two All Progressives Congress lawmakers from Ondo and Oyo States, Abiodun Adesida and Olaide Muhammed respectively seeks to establish a Road Safety Special Armed Squad.
The squad will enhance the commission’s ability to prevent and minimise road traffic crashes if the bill scales legislative scrutiny to become law.
Additionally, the proposed legislation aims to grant benefits to corps officers on the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal, including retirement benefits.
This move, according to the lawmakers, will boost morale and motivation among FRSC personnel.
The bill also empowers the FRSC “To manage road traffic administration and safety including preventing and minimising road traffic crashes, supervising users of public roads, and regulating traffic.
“The commission will have the powers to clear obstructions on public roads and educate drivers, motorists, and the public on proper road use.”
Similarly, the House urged the FRSC to adopt modern technology in its operations including technologically-assisted enforcement systems, advanced analytics, and data platforms.
This was a sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by a Kano lawmaker, Garba Ibrahim Muhammad who expressed concerns over the risks posed by physical checkpoints, including potential dangers to commuters.
Checkpoints, according to the lawmaker, create bottlenecks during peak hours, leading to heavy vehicular traffic and delays. He also cited alleged reports of FRSC officials engaging in corrupt practices at checkpoints.
The lawmaker further expressed worry over the FRSC’s practice of running after commuters for traffic offences at high speeds, noting that such practices should not be tolerated in a civilized society.
