In a bid to ensure smooth and safe travel during the busy end-of-year season, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has mobilized its entire workforce, including Special Marshals, to major highways nationwide. This strategic deployment aims to tackle traffic congestion, prevent road accidents, and minimize injuries and fatalities. The FRSC’s proactive measures are designed to guarantee hassle-free movement for commuters traveling across the country, reinforcing its commitment to road safety and efficient traffic management during the holiday rush.
The Corps, according to a statement signed by the Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), achieved this through effective and efficient distribution of logistics and operational materials nationwide. This logistics include the deployment of 157 administrative vehicles, 754 patrol vehicles, 143 ambulances, and 48 tow trucks. This is in addition to deployment of radar guns to check speed violations, setting out 16 traffic control camps on different routes, as well as man 53 critical routes nationwide.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed who authorised the deployment also directed Commanding Officers to ensure 24 hours observatory along high volume traffic/gridlock prone areas, full mobilization of 23 Help Areas, adequate utilisation of 59 Emergency Ambulance (Zebra) Points, full mobilization of Road Side (RTC) Clinics, and 24/7 broadcast on National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM.
The 2024 Operation Zero Tolerance commenced on 15 December 2024 to span through to 15 January 2025.
The operation which is programmed to run in shifts as follows 0600hrs – 1400hrs, 1400HRS – 2000hrs, 2000hrs – 2200hrs, and Night Rescue teams on standby at all operational Commands is billed to cover the following critical corridors; Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, amongst others.
Explaining some of the reasons for the year’s early and holistic approach to safer roads, the Corps Marshal said that the Corps has observed that a key characteristics of the period over the years is an upsurge in traffic volume, excessive speed, Overloading of vehicles with goods, animals and persons, impatience by motorists who may not have adequately planned their journeys, or motorists managing mechanically deficient vehicles to and fro their travel destinations.
According to him, the above mentioned are known to be the major causes of chaos and indiscipline among all classes of road users, leading to crashes, fatalities, loss of properties as well as traffic congestion/gridlocks.
The operation which compliments the ongoing ember months aggressive sensitisation, will cover the broad areas of traffic control/decongestion, Public enlightenment, Enforcement, prompt response to crash victims, route lining among others.
The Corps Marshal emphasised that the enforcement is aimed at checkmating Excessive speed, Overloading, Dangerous Driving/Overtaking, Lane indiscipline/Route violation, Road Obstructions, Use of Phone while Driving, Overloading Violation, Seatbelt/Child restraint Use Violations, Passengers’ Manifest Violations, Mechanically Deficient Vehicles, Latching and Twist-Locks Violations.
In addition to the foregoing, the Corps Marshal also directed massive constitution of Mobile Courts across the Nation.
The directive also mandates the Commanding Officers to ensure effective collaboration with Military Units, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Directorate of State Services (DSS), NGO Ambulance Service Providers, National Network on Emergency Road Services (NNERS) and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
The Corps Marshal has announced a proactive approach to managing traffic challenges nationwide. He revealed that FRSC operatives will now focus on identifying alternative routes to ease congestion and promptly notify authorities of traffic-distressed areas for swift intervention.
Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the FRSC Mobile Application for real-time traffic updates and incident reporting. Additionally, the public can stay connected via FRSC’s social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In emergencies, motorists can call the toll-free number 122 or reach out to the National Traffic Radio through 08052997848 or 09139600107. For direct updates or to report urgent situations, the FRSC situation room is also accessible at 07054005754 and 07054005712.
These initiatives aim to ensure seamless communication and swift responses, enhancing road safety and minimizing gridlocks across the country.
