Customs, FRSC partner to promote road safety awareness
Omeiza Bilal
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has hosted a sensitization session aimed at promoting safer road use and reducing the alarming rate of road accidents in Nigeria.
The event, which took place Thursday in Abuja, brought together officers from both agencies to discuss key issues affecting road safety and to encourage responsible driving behavior.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Assistant Comptroller S. Bala emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring road safety. He called on participants to lead by example and use the platform to share ideas that can drive cultural change on Nigeria’s roads.
“Today, we gather here not just as professionals but as partners in a shared mission to ensure safer, more efficient transport system as well as the preservation of life across our highways and communities”.
He went further, “The commitment of the Nigeria Road Safety Corps continues to set a standard for excellence and public service. As a key player in the transport space, our unit recognizes the critical importance of collaboration, innovation, and health/safety protocols.”
FRSC Route Commander Fetus Emmanuel expressed concern over the growing disregard for traffic rules, particularly among elite drivers. He underscored the need for public officials to model discipline and responsible road use.
“The Corps Marshall is interested in seeing the level of awareness concerning safety on Nigerian Roads and that it is enhanced. We are here to propagate the message of safety, to create more awareness and let us understand that things aren’t as they used to be.”
He continues, “The driving culture in Nigeria is beginning to get out of hand. The Corps Marshall believes there is a great need to start this campaign from those in the military and paramilitary because it is important that we understand that the eyes of the civilians are on us. We are ambassadors of discipline and it is expected that they copy that discipline from us”.
In his presentation, Corps Commander and Deputy Corps Public Education Officer Manu Esthon identified key causes of road crashes, including human, mechanical, and environmental factors. He highlighted global statistics indicating over 1.19 million deaths annually from road accidents, stressing the urgent need to address behaviors like speeding, drunk driving, and distractions behind the wheel.
