Abuja, NIGERIA – Common Cause Nigeria has raised alarm bells over a controversial bill poised to arm the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The organization is urging the National Assembly to reconsider the legislation, arguing that it threatens to turn a civil agency into a militarized force.
The bill, which recently passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, seeks to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act of 2007, establishing a Road Safety Special Armed Squad and extending benefits traditionally associated with higher ranks to deputy corps marshals.
But at a press conference in Abuja, the National President of the Common Cause, Dr. Chidi-Peters Okorie, emphasized the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and resources, warning that prioritizing arms over safety improvements could lead to chaos on the roads
The group expressed grave concerns regarding the implications of arming road safety officers, emphasizing that their primary role is civil rather than military. “The focus should be on enhancing the operational capabilities of the FRSC through better funding and resources, not on militarization,” he stated.
Instead of arming personnel, group proposed a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving road safety through infrastructural investment. He called on the National Assembly to allocate funds for the procurement of more equipped ambulances to assist victims of highway accidents and to acquire additional towing vans. He also stressed the need for building operational offices along highways and establishing modern administrative facilities across the State.
Additionally, Common Cause Nigeria advocated for a more digitized driver’s licenses and vehicle registration plates, incorporating advanced technologies such barcodes to combat forgery and ensure compliance. “Redirecting funds from arms procurement to these critical areas would significantly enhance road safety and reduce fatalities on our highways,” he asserted.
The group further suggested the designation of mini offices and weighbridges in motor parks for the evaluation and certification of commercial vehicles before they embark on journeys. This, he believes, would ensure safer transportation for all Nigerians.
The group emphasized the need for States and Local Governments to prioritize the development of modern motor parks in communities with significant commercial activities. They also advocated for the establishment of designated motor parks for articulated vehicles and haulage trucks, as these vehicles often park on highways, obstructing traffic flow.
As the debate around this bill intensifies, the call from Common Cause Nigeria highlights a growing concern about the role of civil agencies in a society increasingly influenced by security measures. The outcome of this legislative effort could have lasting implications for road safety in Nigeria, as stakeholders await a definitive response from the National Assembly.
Common Cause Nigeria is a civil society organization focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country.
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