Paragraph 1: A Partnership for Safer Roads
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a leading construction company, have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing road safety in Nigeria. During a recent visit by the FRSC FCT Commander, Felix Theman, and his management team to Julius Berger’s headquarters, both organizations emphasized the importance of their ongoing collaboration. This partnership, spanning many years, aims to address the critical issue of road safety, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s developing infrastructure. Theman highlighted the significance of roads to the nation’s economic growth and acknowledged Julius Berger’s consistent delivery of high-quality road infrastructure.
Paragraph 2: The Human Factor in Road Safety
While commending Julius Berger’s contributions to infrastructure development, Theman underscored the human element in road safety. He stressed that as vehicles are still operated by people, responsible behavior, discipline, and patience are crucial for preventing accidents. The FRSC focuses on enforcement, public education, advocacy, and guidance to promote safe road practices. This approach recognizes that even the best-engineered roads require responsible road users to minimize accidents. He pointed out the need to prevent these well-constructed roads from becoming accident scenes due to reckless driving or disregard for traffic laws.
Paragraph 3: A History of Collaboration and Support
Theman acknowledged Julius Berger’s longstanding support for the FRSC, recalling past donations of traffic cones and reflective jackets that have significantly aided the Corps’ operations. This historical context demonstrates the company’s commitment to road safety beyond its construction activities. It establishes Julius Berger as a proactive partner invested in the overall safety of the road network. The collaborative history sets the stage for the continued partnership focused on addressing current and emerging road safety challenges.
Paragraph 4: Julius Berger’s Commitment to Quality and Safety
Representing Julius Berger, Director of Administration Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita reiterated the company’s dedication to road safety and its desire to strengthen its collaboration with the FRSC. He emphasized the company’s pride in its reputation for quality, as evidenced by its extensive portfolio of road projects in Abuja and across the nation. He also highlighted the recent recognition received from the American Society of Civil Engineers, further validating the company’s commitment to excellence. The company views itself as a partner in progress, dedicated to contributing to the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure.
Paragraph 5: Innovation and Driver Training as Key Safety Measures
Kaita highlighted Julius Berger’s innovative approach to road construction, citing the internationally recognized cold recycling technology employed on the Abuja-Kano Expressway. Beyond construction techniques, he emphasized the company’s internal focus on driver safety. This includes the installation of speed and weight limiting devices in company trucks, mandatory annual driver certification exercises, and defensive driving courses. These proactive measures demonstrate a holistic approach to safety, addressing both the physical infrastructure and the human element. He reinforced Julius Berger’s commitment to collaborating with the FRSC to ensure road safety in Abuja and beyond, highlighting their core value of partnering with Nigerian-friendly organizations.
Paragraph 6: Investing in Driver Training and Well-being
Julius Berger’s Corporate Health, Safety, and Environment Manager, Peter Drillingcourt, further emphasized the company’s proactive stance on driver safety. Recognizing the critical role drivers play in road safety, the company invests heavily in training and retraining programs, particularly in defensive driving. Moreover, Julius Berger incentivizes safe driving practices with accident-free bonuses and provides annual medical checkups for drivers. These measures demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to driver well-being, recognizing that healthy and well-trained drivers contribute significantly to a safer road environment. The composition of both delegations present at the meeting highlighted the importance both organizations place on collaborative efforts towards improving road safety.
