No fewer than 35 Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) officers have been killed by motorists fleeing checks by officials along major highways across Nigeria.
Also FRSC has generated about N15 million revenue for Niger State government since its inception in the state.
Sector Commander Niger, Susan Ajenge, disclosed these when she appeared before the Niger State House of Assembly to explain why officers of the commission cluster themselves within Minna, the state capital, instead of extending their services along federal highways.
Susan explained that contrary to insinuations that the commission was exploiting citizens in the name of generating funds, the FRSC, said, operates 24 hours and have curtailed accidents including those involving under-aged drivers.
The FRSC has abandoned all road safety responsibilities as patrol vehicles are hardly seen along highways to protect lives and properties of road users through over-speeding control devices, a member representing Gbako, Abdullahi Marunagi, said.
After deliberations on the floor of the House, the Speaker, Ahmed Marafa challenged the Sector Commander to focus more on safety along highways in addition to enlightening citizens on the commission’s operational goals.
“Nigerlites are tired of constant harassment and intimidations by the FRSC,” Marafa said.
According to the
speaker, “FRSC needs reorientation to enable it live according to statutory responsibilities or protecting lives along highways, checking reckless drivers including those under the influence of alcohol and those using vehicles that are unfit for highways”.