Worried by the rising number of tanker and trailer accidents on the major highways, the federal government has set up a special committee to investigate and propose solutions to recurrent incidents.
The committee comprises key stakeholders, including the Road Transport Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
Other members of the committee include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Driving School Association of Nigeria (DSAN), the Female Drivers Association (FDA), the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), and members of the Institute of Driving Inspectors of Nigeria (IDIN).
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, the minister of transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, underscored the urgency of tackling the persistent issue, which has led to tragic loss of lives and properties.
Alkali, who emphasised the urgent need to stem the tide of the ugly incident, gave the committee one week to prepare its report, stressing that safety and efficiency are paramount in the president’s development agenda.
According to the minister, “The committee’s primary aim is to review and develop recommendations to address the root causes of road traffic accidents involving trailer and tanker drivers on the nation’s highways, implement measures to enhance safety, and strategise on ways to develop mandatory training and certification programmes for trailer and tanker drivers nationwide.”
