'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – In a decisive move to address the persistent tanker crashes on Nigeria's highways, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) visited the national headquarters of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG-PTD) in Abuja today.
According to a statement today by the Corp's spokesperson, Oluwasegun Ogungbemide, the visit served as a precursor to an upcoming critical stakeholders' meeting convened by the FRSC Corps Marshal. The meeting is expected to focus on innovative and sustainable strategies to enhance road safety and prevent tanker-related crashes, which have resulted in significant loss of lives and property across the country.
During the visit, the Corps Marshal emphasized the need for intensified collaboration between the FRSC and NUPENG-PTD to address pressing safety challenges in the haulage sector. He underscored the importance of training and retraining petroleum tanker drivers, as well as ensuring compliance with minimum safety standards in tanker operations.
“We deeply appreciate the support we have received from NUPENG-PTD over the years. However, the rising spate of tanker crashes demands that we strengthen our partnership to ensure better adherence to safety standards. Together, we can make Nigerian roads safer for all,” the Corps Marshal stated.
The National Chairman of NUPENG-PTD, Comrade Augustine Egbon, commended the FRSC for its proactive measures to enhance safety in haulage operations. He acknowledged the importance of training programs for tanker drivers and pledged the union’s readiness to collaborate with the FRSC in raising awareness about road safety.
“We are impressed by the proactive approach of the FRSC in tackling these challenges. As a union, we will work closely with the Corps to intensify media campaigns and ensure our drivers undergo the necessary training to prioritize safety on the roads,” Egbon said.
The meeting also featured the participation of key figures from both organizations, including FRSC management members, the Deputy National Chairman of NUPENG-PTD, Alhaji Shuaibu Leba, National Trustee Otunba Salmon Akanni Oladiti, and other union executives.
The visit is part of the FRSC Corps Marshal’s broader strategy to mobilize stakeholders in the road transportation sector to take collective action against road accidents involving tankers. The Corps is determined to create a safer road network by fostering partnerships and ensuring all stakeholders play a pivotal role in addressing the menace.
As preparations for the critical stakeholders' meeting gather momentum, the FRSC has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety through policy reforms, enforcement of safety standards, and continuous engagement with key players in the transportation industry. The collaboration with NUPENG-PTD marks a significant step forward in the Corps’ efforts to reduce tanker crashes and safeguard lives and property on Nigerian highways.
