The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed a significant stride towards enhanced road safety as the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Olusola Odumosu, reaffirmed the corps’ unwavering commitment to partnering with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). This pledge was made during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Felix Theman, to the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja. The visit symbolized the enduring synergy between the two agencies, both vital in maintaining order and security within the FCT. Dr. Odumosu emphasized the paramount importance of presenting a unified front to tackle road safety challenges and ensure the well-being of all FCT residents. This collaboration, he noted, is crucial for effective enforcement of traffic regulations and fostering a culture of responsible road usage.
Dr. Odumosu, echoing the sentiments expressed during the meeting, reiterated the NSCDC’s dedication to supporting the FRSC in its duties. He acknowledged the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring road safety and promised the full cooperation of the NSCDC in safeguarding FRSC personnel from potential harassment or attacks by unruly road users. This assurance underscores the NSCDC’s commitment to creating a secure environment for FRSC officers to perform their duties effectively, ultimately contributing to a safer road network for all citizens. He further stressed the collective responsibility of all road users in adhering to traffic laws and promoting safe driving practices. This collaborative approach, he believes, is essential to minimizing road accidents, preserving lives, and protecting vital road infrastructure.
The Commandant highlighted the significance of public awareness campaigns in promoting road safety consciousness. He emphasized the need for continuous education and sensitization programs to inform the public about traffic regulations, safe driving practices, and the consequences of reckless behavior on the roads. He advocated for engaging various community stakeholders, including schools, transport unions, and religious organizations, in these awareness initiatives to reach a wider audience and instill a culture of road safety within the FCT. He stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, and every individual has a role to play in ensuring the safety and well-being of themselves and others on the roads.
In response, Sector Commander Theman expressed his appreciation for the NSCDC’s demonstrable impact on security within the FCT under Dr. Odumosu’s leadership. He commended the NSCDC’s proactive approach to security and its visible presence, which contribute significantly to maintaining order and deterring criminal activities. He also acknowledged the NSCDC’s inclusive security efforts, which involve collaborating with various community stakeholders to address security challenges effectively. He specifically highlighted the NSCDC’s role in community policing initiatives, which foster trust and cooperation between security agencies and the public, further enhancing security within the FCT.
Mr. Theman unveiled the FRSC’s newly launched “Operation Restore Sanity,” a targeted initiative aimed at curbing the pervasive problem of one-way driving, a major traffic violation contributing to congestion and accidents, particularly in high-traffic zones within the FCT. He elaborated on the operation’s strategic focus on enforcing traffic regulations, raising public awareness about the dangers of one-way driving, and implementing effective traffic management strategies. He also mentioned the deployment of additional personnel and resources to ensure the operation’s success in restoring order and sanity to the roads. He solicited the support and cooperation of the NSCDC in ensuring the successful implementation of this operation, recognizing their crucial role in enforcing traffic regulations and maintaining order on the roads.
To solidify the existing partnership, Mr. Theman assured the NSCDC of the FRSC’s unwavering commitment to strengthening collaboration at all levels. This commitment extends beyond joint operations to include information sharing, capacity building, and joint training programs to enhance the capabilities of both agencies in addressing road safety challenges. He emphasized the importance of regular communication and coordination between the two agencies to ensure a seamless and effective approach to promoting road safety within the FCT. This enhanced collaboration, he believes, will contribute significantly to reducing road accidents, improving traffic flow, and creating a safer road environment for all residents and visitors of the FCT.
