By Ibironke Ariyo
The Non-Governmental Organisations and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Road Safety and Injury Prevention have called for the adoption of sector-based strategies to address the hydra-headed challenges of road crashes, injuries, and deaths in Nigeria.
The Coordinator and leader of the representatives of NGOs/CSOs, Dr. Yusuf Suberu, expressed serious concerns about how to tackle pre-crash, crash, and post-crash issues in Nigeria and outlined the way forward.
Dr Yusuf Suberu is also the Representative of the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety and Injury Prevention(I (UNDARSIP) in Nigeria.
Speaking, during a roundtable and dinner organised for critical stakeholders in transportation and road safety matters in Abuja, Suberu said that relevant stakeholders of the initiative have been unable to reach the target specified in the first phase of the decade of action.
He called for the need to galvanise resources together to actualise the action plans for the 2nd decade of action and its implementation.
He said “In this regard, the outcome of this meeting would lead to the adoption of sector-based strategies to address the hydra-headed challenges of road traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths in Nigeria.
According to him, this will also lead us to the development of a communique that would be used as a roadmap to accomplish the set-out goals of the decade of action for the year 2024.
“It is noteworthy to indicate that there is a high rate of compromise in the operations of some driving schools, as well as the process of the issuance of driver’s licenses.
“This in which is largely responsible for the low quality of driver education, increased rate of road safety violations, and carnage on Nigerian roads.
“The high number of vehicles on our roads that are not certified as being roadworthy is also being used for commute everywhere, thereby endangering precious lives and valuable properties.
“The lack of inter-agency cooperation among relevant stakeholders (Government Agencies, NGOs, and CSOs) in the post-crash activities has caused ripple effect.
“This also coupled with inadequate funding by the government, has resulted in the decline of effective collaborative activities to bring about the development of the sector, “he said.
Suberu who doubled as the FCT VIO Squadron Leader and National Coordinator of Vehicle Inspection Officers Mayors that there was need to raise fundamental issues on discrepancies in the recording of data on road accidents or crash fatalities, which have been grossly underreported.
This he said has led to the inability to access requisite funds from international donor agencies by Nigerian government agencies and private organisations for the promotion of safety on Nigerian roads.
The VIO boss however, urged the stakeholders to proffer workable solutions towards enhancing the full accomplishment and sustenance of the pillars of the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety in Nigeria.
In his contribution, the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mr Haruna Garba, called for coordinated response to crashes, so as to minimise casualties and provide effective support to victims and their families.
According to him, existing road safety laws should be reviewed and strengthened to align with international standards.
“Additionally, there should be strict enforcement, including increased penalties for traffic violations to deter irresponsible behaviour on the roads.
“Accordingly, there is need for proactive measures, including enhanced driver education, stricter traffic regulations and infrastructure development.
“Continuous collaborative efforts among government agencies, law enforcement, NGOs, and the private sector to address road safety comprehensively, is also of uttermost importance,” he said.
Garba, who was represented by ACP Habib Rabiu, also called for implementation of data-driven strategies, and leveraging of technology for real-time monitoring and analysis, as well as traffic accidents prevention.
“In all, the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on responsible road behaviour and the consequences of unsafe practices, cannot be overemphasised,” he added.
Garba called for unity and commitment, persistent advocacy and strategic interventions to ensure safer roads for all Nigerians.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali-Biu, attributed most fatal crashes in the country to the attitude of drivers who were always speeding, impatient or had their vehicles loaded beyond limit.
Ali-Biu, who was represented by ACM Jonas Agwu, said the corps and other stakeholders should continue to collaborate to make driving safe and enjoyable, not only during the yuletide, but at all times.
The FRSC boss assured that they would continue to be vigilant and maintain steady patrols of the nation’s highways to deter violators of traffic rules and regulations.
Other stakeholders at the event included Civil Defence personnel, Vehicle Inspection Officers, Dangote Group, National Union of Road Transport Workers, among others all called for adoption of strategies to reduce road traffic crashes and deaths to the barest minimum.