As part of its efforts at ensuring safety on the roads during the Ember months, the Federal Road safety Commission (FRSC) has commenced the re-certification of Driver's License of commercial drivers. The Commission has equally commenced test for drivers and inspection of commercial
vehicles plying inter-state routes across the federation. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports
that the Corp Marshal of the Commission, Mr Osita Chidoka stated this at the ember month campaign rally for commercial drivers and Okada riders at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti. Chidoka explained that the Commission had commenced the enforcement of all requirements of Road Traffic Standardization Scheme (RTSS) regarding drivers' standard, vehicle standards and operations standards.
The Corps Marshal disclosed that to be able to achieve these objectives, the commission
had initiated consultations with all stakeholders and transport unions. "Part of these major reforms will include immediate commencement of inspection of all vehicles commuting inter-state routes, drivers' testing and re-certification programme for all commercial transporters. "And henceforth, obedience to traffic laws will no longer be optional but made compulsory and enforceable on a sustainable basis,'' he said . Chidoka observed that from now on, the Commission would step up enforcement and enlightenment campaign towards reducing road carnages.
Earlier, the State Sector Commander, Mr A.C. Nwachukwu said that the Command was prepared to bring the full force of the law to bear on commercial drivers and motoring public who disobey the overloading and other traffic regulations. He sought the cooperation of members of the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers Union (NURTW) and other road users toward ensuring accident free ember months in the State. ``The NURTW and other road users have always complemented the activities of the FRSC at ensuring the protection and safeguarding their drivers and passengers. l am commending them while also encouraging them to do more," he noted.
Also speaking, the state NURTW Chairman, Mr Omolafe Aderuye promised that the Union would rid all motor parks in the state of sellers of alcoholic drinks within the next two weeks. Aderiye promised the cooperation of the union with the Commission toward reducing accidents on the roads in the state.