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By correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has requested support from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to address the growing number of road crashes involving petroleum tankers across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During a courtesy visit to Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, in Abuja on Monday, FRSC Corps Marshal Malam Shehu Mohammed, emphasized the need for logistical assistance, including patrol vehicles and ambulances, to improve road monitoring and expedite responses to emergencies.
“The FRSC is dedicated to ensuring the safe movement of petroleum products by deploying personnel to major depots nationwide to enforce safety compliance,” Mohammed said.
He praised the Minister for reforms in the petroleum sector and stressed the need for continued collaboration to support the oil industry’s development, particularly in maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.
“As part of our commitment to safe petroleum transportation, we have positioned personnel across the country to ensure compliance with safety regulations, specifically with regard to the ‘safe to load’ policy. “We will persist until order is fully restored on our highways,”he added.
Minister Lokpobiri responded by congratulating the Corps Marshal on his recent appointment and pledged the Ministry’s partnership in promoting road safety.
He praised the FRSC for its efforts to enhance road safety, notably through the Road Transport Safety Standardization scheme, driver certification, and public education, which have contributed to a significant reduction in road accident rates.
However, Lokpobiri voiced concerns about frequent tanker accidents leading to fires, loss of life, and property damage on highways.
He urged the FRSC to strengthen oversight of tanker loading at depots, ensuring only those meeting minimum safety standards proceed.
The Minister affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing FRSC with logistical and training support to enhance personnel efficiency in traffic management.
He noted that, with the recent inauguration of the National Road Safety Advisory Council by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stakeholders are working together to make Nigerian highways safer for all.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
