….commissions 130 FRSC operational vehicles
The Federal Government has said it would be investing in road infrastructure, NewsSpecng learnt.
It stressed that road infrastructure plays a vital role in any nation’s development and growth.
It also commissioned 130 newly acquired operational vehicles, for the Federal Road Safety corps for road safety management.
The operational vehicles comprise of 97 patrol vehicles, 10 heavy duty tow trucks, 15 flatbed tow trucks, five ambulances, one fifty-six seat staff bus as well as two coaster buses.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume said President Bola Tinubu is committed to transport infrastructure to enhance transformative growth.
Akume said, “We have realized among other things that our resolve to make Nigeria, a veritable home for investors will not be achieved if this administration do not make the management of safety on our roads a topmost priority.
“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate President Bola Tinubu commitment to the provision of transport infrastructure.
“Mr. President believes that investment in transport infrastructure is key determinant of performance in all other sectors since it plays a vital role in any nation’s development and growth process.
“Indeed, transport infrastructure encourages transformative economic impact.”
Akume said the commissioning of the 130 vehicles would improve the quality of road safety management approach in Nigeria.
According to him, “The FG is, therefore, in synch with this effort of FRSC and encourages other agencies of Government at all levels to develop similar resourceful ways to improve their work processes in the cost-effective manner possible.
“It is, therefore, my hope that today’s inauguration of the Operational vehicles will improve the quality of road safety management approach in Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dauda Biu pointed that inadequate patrol, rescue and recovery logistics continue to hinder the ability of the Corps to perform optimally.
Biu noted “Inadequate facilities continue to undermine our effective presence on the wide network of roads across the country, and the promptitude with which we attend to rescue and clearance of obstruction needs on our roads.”
Expressing optimism, the Corps Marshal stated that the provision of the vehicles would surely beef up the operational capability of the corps, adding that its “corporate strategic goal for this year is to achieve 5% reduction in road traffic fatalities and traffic injuries in 2023 alone.
“The present leadership of the Corps is committed to both development agendas and these vehicles will give a push to the existing efforts already in place to achieve this set goal.
“Let me on behalf of the entire officers and men of the Corps reaffirm the readiness and preparedness of the Corps to perform optimally with these additional tools.”
Biu assured that the new vehicles will be deployed for immediate use across areas of need all over the country.
He added that the Corps have established 102 formations consisting of 34 Area Commands, 56 Unit Commands, 10 Outpost and 2 Zebra Commands.
“Its noteworthy that these offices were provided by various governments and public spirited individuals and groups in recognition of the FRSC effort at reduction of road traffic crashes and saving of lives on our high ways,” Biu said.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory, Olusola Adesola stated that the commissioning was a sustained support of the FG to meet the needs of the agency.
