The federal government has set up a Special Committee on the Prevention of the recurring incidents of road traffic accidents involving trailer and tanker drivers on critical sections of Nigerian highways.
The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali who made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, said they are marking a strategic step toward addressing the frequent incidents of road accidents in the country.
Sen. Alkali underscored the urgency of tackling the persistent issue, which has led to tragic loss of lives and properties.
According to the Minister, “the committee’s primary aim is to review and develop recommendations to address the root causes of road traffic accidents involving trailer and tanker drivers on the nation’s highways and implement measures to enhance safety as well as strategize on ways to develop mandatory training and certification programmes for Trailer and Tanker Drivers nationwide”
Alkali, who emphasised the urgent need to stem the tide of the ugly incident, gave the committee one week to come up with its report, stressing that safety and efficiency are paramount in Mr. President’s Development agenda.
The committee comprises key stakeholders, including Road Transport Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Nigeria Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), National Road Transport Owners (NARTO), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Driving School Association of Nigeria ( DSAN), Female Drivers Association (FDA), Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) as well as members of the Institute of Driving Inspectors of Nigeria (IDIN).