Minister of State, Budget and National Planning (MBNP), Mr Clem Agba
March 30, 2022
The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has called for sustainable efforts to tackle the dangers of crashes on Nigeria roads.
Agba made the call during the capacity building workshop on the implementation of Nigeria Road Strategy II (NRSSII) 2021-2030 batch II for the Technical Working Group on Wednesday in Abuja.
The minister said the mandate of the Corps was to prevent and minimise road traffic crashes, clear obstructions and rescue accident victims.
He said the Corps also reviewed and upgraded road design standards and created awareness on proper road use among others.
“However, there is the need to sustain the unwavering efforts in arresting the lingering menace of preventable road traffic crashes.
“The present administration will continue to support the programmes and activities of road safety in order to give steam to our resolve at making our roads safe.
“We are conscious of the link between transportation and the economy, hence the determination of Federal Government to create a safe road system that will encourage economic growth and development,” he said.
Agba said the theme was very conceived to further enlighten members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) and other stakeholders.
“The approval of NRSS II by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) is just one of the steps of the Federal Government for effective Road Safety Management and the development and smooth operational activities of the FRSC, ” he said.
The minister said the giant strides made under the leadership of the present Chairman of the FRSC, Mallam Bukhari Bello, and the Corps Marshal, Dr, Boboye Oyeyemi, had helped to implement a comprehensive roadmap for the Corps.
“I am particularly impressed with the various efforts of the Corps in developing programmes towards making roads in Nigeria one of the safest in the world.
“Such efforts include collaboration with international organisations in getting support for road safety both for logistics and capacity building of personnel,” he said.
The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, said the impact of crashes and the attendant fatalities and injuries affected several segments of national life.
He said considering transportation was the hub of economic activities, the need for safe road could not be overemphasised.
Oyeyemi said the Corps would also continue to invest in human capacity development as it had done in the last 34 years, taking into cognisance the need for highly skilled, competent and professional workforce.
According to him, the Corps has explored every opportunity within and outside the country to grow the capacity of its personnel.
“Currently, a total of 20 personnel of the Corps are undergoing leadership course at the FRSC command and the staff college, Udi,” he said.
NRSS II is the second Edition of an action plan to improve Road Safety in Nigeria and align the country’s safety management approach with global best practices.
This initiative calls for cohesion in road safety activities including infrastructural safety features, travel speed, crash impact consideration and response to prevent fatal or serious injuries.
It also prescribes collaboration to harmonise all efforts and shared obligations among road users, as well as corporate social responsibility projects in support of government’s commitment. (NAN)
