Abuja: The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Ali Muhammad Ali, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in its mission to ensure road safety across Nigeria. Mr. Ali made these remarks in Abuja during a courtesy visit from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. Felix Theman.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Ali congratulated Mr. Theman on his recent appointment as the new sector commander of the FCT, acknowledging the challenges associated with managing traffic in the territory. He highlighted the unique challenges of Abuja’s roads, where many individuals tend to disregard traffic regulations due to self-perceived importance. Mr. Ali emphasized NAN’s ongoing role as a reliable partner in promoting road safety awareness, commending the FRSC for its visible efforts and discipline on the roads.
Mr. Ali urged Mr. Theman to intensify public enlightenment campaigns, particularly targeting reckless driving, drunk driving, and driving against traffic. He advocated for the enactment of stricter laws against driving against traffic, expressing NAN’s support through necessary media assistance to help eliminate road safety issues.
Earlier in the visit, Mr. Theman outlined the FRSC’s dual focus on enforcement and public education to enhance road safety. He underscored the critical role of media partnerships, such as that with NAN, in effectively disseminating FRSC’s safety messages to the public. He recounted a recent traffic incident exacerbated by driver indiscipline, underscoring the need for increased public cooperation.
Since taking office, Mr. Theman and his team have identified several major traffic violations, including driving against traffic, overloading, and drunk driving. Within two weeks, over 500 offenders have been apprehended, with one notable case involving a drunk commercial driver operating early in the morning. The driver faced prosecution and a six-month license suspension, with his vehicle impounded.
The sector commander noted ongoing efforts with FCT magistrates to ensure consistent prosecution of traffic offenders, highlighting the importance of enforcement alongside public education. He also expressed concern over pedestrian recklessness, urging the public to utilize footbridges to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Mr. Theman assured that the command would maintain daily operations to improve road safety while reinforcing its collaboration with NAN to amplify road safety messages.
