Nigeria, March 8, 2016 – The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) today said that accidents on the nation’s highways have claimed more lives of Nigerians than the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Acting Sector Commander of FRSC in Lagos State, Michael Olapade made the revelation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa in, Alausa Ikeja.
“The lives of our youth are being lost on a daily basis. Many people talk of AIDS as most deadly, FRSC do not believe this when you talk of number deaths, road accidents are higher,” he said.
While appealing for more support from the House, Olapade stated that the number of units and equipment for the organization is inadequate.
He pointed out that the institution in Lagos has 15 units and one sector command, saying that out of the total number of vehicles in the country, Lagos state has one quarter.
“The number of these units are not enough to complement the efforts of other traffic agencies like LASTMA and VIO,” he said.
While assuring of the institution’s readiness to collaborate with the state government, Olapade said that the organization has plans in the offing to decorate members of the House as special marshals.
In his reaction, the Speaker said the House appreciates the good job done by the men of the FRSC. He however stated that effort must be done to curtail activities of bad eggs in the organization who extort money from motorists.
“You should monitor the activities of your men, there are roads that can’t be categorized as either federal or state road some of your men do go to extort money from motorists,” Obasa said.
Obasa also urged the institution to intensify more effort on campaigns, adding that there was need to sensitize the public on danger inherent on over speeding.
“We will continue to support you and give our assistance. It is our duty to protect lives of the people, we need organizations like yours saddle with the responsibility of protecting people,” Speaker said.
