The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed has called on motorists to adhere strictly to road traffic rules and regulations to make the Christmas celebration a peaceful and hitch-free one.
Mohammed, who made the call in his Christmas message on Wednesday in Abuja restated his earlier commitment to creating safer road environment during the Yuletide.
“I appeal to Nigerians to reflect on this period of heightened human and vehicular movements to avoid any road mishaps that could undermine the celebration,” he said.
He also tasked personnel to ensure free flow of traffic and zero-death Yuletide celebrations, adding that the entire workforce and logistics have been mobilised to all the identified black spots and would remain there until Jan. 15, 2025.
This, he said was to ensure that all those that travelled home for Christmas and new year returned safely.
He also called on Nigerians to join the FRSC in the ongoing campaign for safer road environment.
He further urged Christians to offer special prayers at their various Churches as they celebrate the birth of Christ.
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“It’s imperative that prayers are made specially for peace and safety as they worship in various Churches, “he said.
He urged road users to tune into the FRSC National Traffic Radio, 107.1 FM for traffic alerts and updates.
“In cases of emergency, I urge Nigerians to dial the FRSC Emergency number:122 as the Call Centre will remain opened throughout the festive period and beyond to attend to all distress calls, “he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that annually, FRSC deploys human and material resources along the major corridors in the country to manage the expected traffic surge during the Yuletide and the New Year.
NAN also reports that this year’s special operation code named, “Operation Zero Tolerance” which began on Dec.15, 2024 is expected to end on Jan. 15, 2025.
Bad Road impedes travelling
In Cross River State commercial transport operators have identified bad roads and multiple security checkpoints as challenges to smooth travelling during the Christmas.
Mr Bernard Akim, a commercial transporter told NAN in Calabar that the roads were deplorable.
Akim who operates along the Calabar-Akamkpa corridor, said that the roads connecting Calabar to other local government areas in the state were in terrible state of disrepair.
“The roads are dusty and bumpy, so traveling is stressful, we now spend more time on the road during each journey,” he said.
Another commercial driver, Bassey Etuk, said that the security checkpoints on the roads was another challenge to smooth travelling.
“I am not saying that it is wrong to have police checkpoints, my worry is that their interest is to extort drivers,” he said.
Etuk expressed worries that policemen at checkpoints molested and harassed drivers irrespective of the directives by the Inspector-General of Police.
He said that federal roads in the state required urgent repairs to enable safe and smooth journey.
“The Federal Government has to declare state of emergency on roads in the state. They need to quickly commence work now that the weather is friendly,” he said.
Mrs Joyce Ekanem, a resident of Odukpani, told NAN that the level of extortion at security checkpoints along the roads was worrisome.
Ekanem urged the police authorities to take stringent measures towards tackling corruption among officers on highway duties.
She also urged the federal and state governments to recognise the importance of the Odukpani-Otu and the Calabar-Ikom Roads.
“These roads are too strategic to be left unrepaired, with the dry season, something can be done to make travelling easier and safer,” she said.
Mr Samuel Oti, the Public Relations Officer, FRSC command in Cross River, disclosed that most of the accidents in the state happened as a result of recklessness.
Oti stated that the number of accidents that occurred in the state during the year was relatively lower than that of 2023.
Obeying traffic rules
The FRSC spokesman warned drivers against speeding and disobedience to traffic rules.
“We are aware of the state of the roads, accidents should not be conclusively blamed on roads, it should be blamed on how the roads are used.
“Recently, there was a multiple crash along the Calabar-Ikom highway specifically in Biase, and we recorded fatalities
“Between Dec. 15 and 21, three crashes were reported across the state, 12 persons were injured but we recorded no deaths.
“The cause of crashes are majorly speed limit violation and wrongful overtaking. These happen in sections of the road that are in good condition,” he said.
Oti urged drivers in the state to obey traffic regulations, and avoid the use of alcohol while driving.
He also called on passengers to speak up by reporting to road safety officials whenever their drivers’ showed signs of recklessness.
“Let’s do this in the interest of our lives and that of others. It’s our collective duty to make the roads safer,” he said.
