The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III tasks stakeholders on road safety
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, has called on stakeholders in the transport sector to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to reduce road crashes that lead to loss of life and property, particularly accidents involving tankers.
The Sultan made this appeal during a visit from FRSC Corps Marshal Mallam Shehu Mohammed at his palace in Sokoto.
Alhaji Saad expressed concern over the increasing violations of traffic rules, such as overloading, mixed loading, dangerous driving, and speeding, noting that these issues have become alarming.
He emphasized the need to diversify transportation methods as a solution to the significant loss of life and property caused by overreliance on roads, advocating for greater use of railways to transport certain goods.
The Sultan highlighted that developing a robust railway system could save many lives, as most goods currently transported by road could be moved more safely via rail.
In congratulating the Corps Marshal on his appointment, the Sultan praised his proactive measures to tackle the challenges of road travel in the country. He noted that the recent improvements in highway safety demonstrated his preparedness for the position.
The Sultan urged FRSC personnel to stay loyal and committed to their duties, emphasizing that this dedication would help the nation meet its crash reduction targets set by the United Nations through the Decade of Action declarations.
Earlier, Corps Marshal Mallam Shehu Mohammed stated that his visit to Sokoto State was part of a familiarization tour, and he deemed it essential to seek the royal support and blessings of the Sultan.
He also conveyed his commitment to enhancing road safety, aligning his efforts with the renewed hope agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose development plan incorporates various road safety initiatives.
The Corps Marshal commended the Sultan for his ongoing support for the FRSC over the years and appealed for continued solidarity.
Furthermore, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed gratitude to the people of Sokoto State for their partnership with the FRSC, assuring them that he values this goodwill and will continue to prioritize infrastructure development within the Corps to improve road safety for travelers in the state.
Road accidents in Nigeria are a significant public safety concern, contributing to numerous fatalities, injuries, and economic losses annually. The country has one of the highest rates of road traffic accidents in Africa, driven by factors such as poor road infrastructure, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws, vehicle overloading, and reckless driving.
Reporting by Kayode Oyedare; Editing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade
