'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – As Nigerians join the global Christian community to celebrate Christmas, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has urged motorists to adhere strictly to traffic rules to ensure a peaceful and accident-free Yuletide season.
In his Christmas message, the Corps Marshal emphasized the need for caution during this period of increased human and vehicular activities. He called on road users to be reflective and avoid behaviors that could lead to road mishaps, which might mar the joyous celebration.
“Let us all commit to making this Christmas a peaceful and hitch-free celebration by obeying traffic regulations and exercising patience on the roads,” Mohammed stated.
The FRSC, under the leadership of Mohammed, has rolled out extensive measures to ensure road safety during the festive season. These include the deployment of personnel and logistics to identified black spots across the country. The special operation, tagged "Operation Zero Tolerance," commenced on December 15, 2024, and will run until January 15, 2025.
“All our workforce and logistics have been mobilized to critical areas, and our personnel will remain at these spots to manage traffic and provide assistance,” the Corps Marshal noted. “Our aim is to ensure that Nigerians who travel for the holidays return home and back safely.”
He also tasked FRSC personnel to prioritize free traffic flow and work towards achieving zero fatalities during the festive period.
Mohammed called on Nigerians to actively participate in the ongoing campaign for safer roads. He also urged Christians to include prayers for peace and safety in their worship during the Christmas celebrations.
“As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us remember to pray for peace and safety on our roads,” he added.
The Corps Marshal advised road users to take advantage of the FRSC National Traffic Radio, 107.1 FM, for live traffic updates and alerts. Additionally, he encouraged Nigerians to use the FRSC emergency number, 122, to report any road incidents or request assistance.
“The FRSC Call Centre will remain operational throughout the festive period and beyond to attend to distress calls,” Mohammed assured.
The FRSC’s annual Yuletide traffic management efforts are designed to handle the surge in road users during Christmas and New Year celebrations. The Corps has consistently deployed human and material resources along major road corridors nationwide to mitigate traffic congestion and accidents.
Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Corps Public Education Officer, reaffirmed the FRSC’s dedication to ensuring the safety and comfort of Nigerians during this festive season.
“We encourage everyone to cooperate with our personnel on the field and prioritize safety,” Ogungbemide concluded.
With these proactive measures, the FRSC reiterates its commitment to fostering a safer road environment, ensuring that the festive season remains a time of joy and celebration for all.
