As FRSC begins implementing safety scheme

THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reportedly begun the full implementation of the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) in some states of the country. The scheme,  targeted at fleet operators in the country, aims at getting the fleet operators to make conscious efforts put their vehicles in good working condition with a view to reducing road accidents.

This move is no doubt in the interest of the country. Road accidents have claimed many souls that could have contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria. It has robbed the country of many bright minds. In this regard, any effort made by FRSC or any other agency to reduce the carnage on our roads is welcome.

It is an established fact that vehicles that are not in good shape are prone to road accidents. Thus, if the FRSC can get the fleet operators to put their vehicles in good shape, this will help in saving lives and assisting the country’s developmental efforts.

For some time now, the FRSC has indeed been in the news for the wrong reasons. For instance, the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, was reported not too long ago to have banned the officers and men of the corps from operating in state-government owned roads.

The governor hinged his action on what he tagged as the harassment of motorists and corruption. The move generated a lot of controversy in the country, with many commentators taking sides with the position expressed by the governor and condemning the FRSC.

This criticism obviously emanated from the perceived failure of the FRSC to stick to its mandate. However, with the full implementation of the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS), the FRSC can begin to redeem its image and make Nigerians proud of it once again.

Amina Lawal

Lokoja, Kogi State.