FRSC flags Off 2024 Ember Months Sensitization Campaign In Bauchi 

By: Ajiya Ayuba, Bauchi 

The Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Shehu Mohammed on Tuesday flagged off the 2024 ember Months sensitization campaign in Bauchi State.

The program was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Bauchi council, with the theme: ‘Speak up against dangerous driving, Crashes kill more passengers than Drivers’.

Shehu Mohammed who was represented by the Bauchi State Sector Commandant, CC Istifanus A. Ibrahim, said that the Corps has intensified its efforts to ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce road crashes, and create a safer motoring environment nationwide. 

“You are all aware that the ember months mark a time when Nigerians travel extensively across the country. This is largely due to the season’s significance, which provides opportunities for family reunions, festivals, meetings, and

ceremonies”

He said that “our roads typically experience heavy traffic, congestion, road crashes, and regrettably, the loss of lives and properties. This situation is worsened by the reckless behaviors of some motorists, creating a distressing environment for travelers, government agencies, and stakeholders, including the FRSC”

According to him,  said that “I have directed the immediate commencement of Mega Public Enlightenment, Sensitization Campaigns in all states, including the Federal Capital Territory while enforcement has been placed on red alert”

The Corps has reassessed the state of road safety and traffic management in Nigeria, with a focus on reviewing and improving our strategies in all fronts.

“These new policies aim to not only enhance the road transportation sector by changing drivers’ behaviour but also to position Nigeria as a safety-conscious

nation in the global community. These efforts are being made despite the significant challenges the Corps faces as the government agency responsible for

road safety”

“We have revised our public education strategy, introducing new dynamic approaches. These include mega town hall meetings, motorcades, transit, rest areas, and loading bays advocacy. 

“This strategy arose from the need to engage passengers and encourage them to assert their rights, thereby curbing drivers’ excesses, because it is on record that more passengers are killed in road traffic crashes than drivers. Hence the need to take up the responsibility of being more vigilant while on transit”

“The core of this approach is the alarming number of road traffic crashes in Nigeria, which claim many lives. While various factors contribute to these crashes, driver’s behaviour and passengers’ indifference to reckless driving are major contributors”

“We are focusing on re-educating passengers and helping them understand their rights. The agreement between the driver and the passenger is clear: the driver must ensure the passenger reaches their destination safely. Passengers have a right not to be injured, killed, harassed, or have their rights violated. By empowering passengers, we aim to reduce road traffic crashes”

He said that the officers of the roads safety must take proactive steps to provide hope, not fear, when using roads as the consequences of their actions or inactions will be severe if they fail to address the challenges.

The Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety, Shehu Mohammed directed officers to actively engage commuters to ensure that they are familiar with safety regulations, report reckless driving, use seatbelts, and support responsible driving. Passengers must avoid distractions and contribute to safe road use.