The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi has directed Commanding Officers across all formations of the Corps to commence immediate clampdown on rickety vehicles plying Nigerian roads.
The clampdown is an integral part of rejigged efforts of the Corps in the year 2021 to further reduce road traffic crashes across the country.
The Corps Marshal’s order was contained in a statement issued by Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps on Tuesday at the National Headquarters, Abuja.
According to Kazeem, the riot act to operators of rickety vehicles plying the nation’s highways, indicates that the Zonal Commanding Officers and Sector Commanders have been given an express directive to commence a nationwide arrest, impoundment, and prosecution of owners or operators of such vehicles.
The Corps Marshal stated that the operation which will be conducted nationwide, forms part of the Corps’ commitment towards enhancing the tempo of its operational activities and create a safer motoring environment in the country, premised on the realisation of its 2021 strategic goals of reducing road traffic crashes by 15% and fatalities by 20%.
While recalling the common sight of poorly maintained vehicles on the nation highways which often break down and result in obstructions of traffic flow, the Corps Marshal enjoined motorists to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles in view of inherent traffic hazards associated with abandoned broken down vehicles especially at night.
Explaining the seriousness of the riot act, Kazeem emphatically stated that severe punishment awaits anyone apprehended in the act, including impoundment of the vehicle, payment of fines and compulsory road safety education.