By correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it is stepping up its collaboration with the Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to address the alarming increase in tanker accidents across Nigerian roads.
This announcement came during a courtesy visit by
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the statement in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of PTD-NUPENG, Comrade Augustine Egbon, on Wednesday.
Mohammed voiced concern over the frequent tanker crashes in the country which have resulted in significant loss of life and property.
He emphasized that many of these accidents involve independent tanker owners and drivers who are unaffiliated with any unions or associations.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Mohammed called for a revival of the ‘Safe Load Scheme,’ which allows the FRSC to conduct pre- and post-loading inspections on tankers transporting fuel.
This scheme, he explained, plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and ensuring safer operations.
“We aim to enhance our safety measures through more stakeholder engagement.
“This includes reinforcing the safety load scheme, training and retraining drivers, and raising public awareness about risks such as fuel scooping around crash sites,”Mohammed said.
The Corps Marshal urged PTD-NUPENG to place greater focus on driver education to improve safety standards.
In response, Comrade Egbon assured that the Union remains committed to strengthening the skills of its members.
“We conduct training sessions for our drivers three times a year, with the FRSC always present to oversee the process,” he stated.
“Together, we will continue to reduce road crashes and ensure safer road transport for everyone, ”he promised.
Egbon appealed to the government to invest in improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure, which he believes would further reduce accidents.
Our correspondent reports that highlight at the occasion was when the FRSC Corps Marshal presented a plaque to the PTD-NUPENG Chairman, followed by group photographs and other ceremonial activities.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to a sustained partnership in reducing road traffic incidents and ensuring a safer motoring environment in Nigeria.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
