Worried by incessant deaths and destruction trailing tanker crashes, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, is poised to enforce registration of all tanker drivers under a union.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, said that the move was part of efforts to curb the rising incidence of crashes involving tankers on Nigerian roads.
He said that FRSC had started implementing some recommendations, which included deploying officials to tank farms to inspect safety valves, vehicle conditions, and certify drivers before loading and departure.
Mohammed disclosed that the registration exercise is aimed at creating a database of verified drivers, which will enable the FRSC to track and monitor their activities, and ensure that only qualified and certified drivers operate on Nigerian roads.
“We have started implementing some recommendations, and we are working with the union to ensure that all tanker drivers are registered and certified.
“We have also deployed our officials to tank farms to inspect safety valves, vehicle conditions, and certify drivers before loading and departure,” Mohammed said.
The Corps Marshal noted that some tank farms initially resisted the presence of FRSC officials, but the Corps was working to overcome the resistance.
He emphasised that the FRSC was also committed to partnering with stakeholders, among them the Federal Fire Service, FFS, and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to combat the rising incidence of tanker crashes on Nigerian roads.
Mohammed said that the partnership was aimed at enhancing the response to tanker crashes, minimising the loss of lives and properties, and ensuring that victims received prompt and adequate emergency services.
He explained that the FRSC would work closely with the FFS to establish fire service points at strategic locations, including FRSC zebra points, to facilitate prompt response to tanker crashes.
This, he said, would enable the FFS to respond swiftly and effectively to tanker crashes, thereby reducing the risk of fire outbreaks and explosions.
“FRSC will also collaborate with NEMA to provide emergency services and support to victims of tanker crashes.
“This will include the provision of medical services, shelter, and other forms of support to victims and their families.
“We are coming together to see that wherever we have FRSC Zebra points, we should see that we have fire service and NEMA points too.
“So that if such an incident happens, while FRSC is there to help, the Police and other sister security agencies are there and the Fire service and NEMA too are there to help and protect lives and properties.
“This is necessary so that we can all be able to ensure that fire doesn’t occur but ensure safety first,” he said.
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