LIVE UPDATES
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other partners in a campaign aimed at combating illicit drug use among motorists nationwide, including all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In addition, the FRSC is working with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ensure that all motor parks across the country adhere to cleanliness standards.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, announced this initiative on Thursday during a sensitisation campaign led with heads of various government agencies and the President of the Court of Appeal.
The campaign, held at the Jabi Central Motor Park in Abuja, is designed to raise awareness about road safety and the hazards of illicit drug use among drivers.
Mohammed pointed out that these actions are vital for the success of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Programmes focusing on safety and environmental issues.
He expressed concern regarding the illegal trade and consumption of illicit drugs at motor parks throughout the nation and stressed that the FRSC will persist in revoking the licenses of drivers caught using alcohol or illicit substances.
"The use of illicit drugs jeopardizes not just the lives of drivers but also those of others around them.
"We will not relent until we guarantee that our roads are safe for everyone," he stated.
Additionally, this year, the FRSC plans to put more focus on rigorous enforcement and prosecution of traffic violations to improve traffic management.
At the event, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, represented by NDLEA FCT Commander, Mr. Kabir Tsakuwa, urged commercial drivers to avoid illicit drug use, labelling it detrimental to their health.
Marwa affirmed that the NDLEA is dedicated to making Nigeria free from illicit drugs and noted that Jabi Park has a longstanding collaboration in ensuring the park is devoid of drug sales and consumption.
President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, voiced her concern about the numerous lives lost to road accidents, particularly among young Nigerians, due to drug use by commercial drivers.
She called on transportation union leaders nationwide to support the campaign against alcohol and drug use in motor parks to restore order on the roads.
NESREA Director General, Dr. Innocent Barikor, highlighted the significance of maintaining clean motor parks and avoiding littering, which could harm vehicles and cause accidents.
In reply, one of the leaders from the Jabi Central Motor Park, Mr. Gabriel Okeh, expressed gratitude towards the FRSC, NDLEA, NESREA, and other organizations, including NGOs, for launching the campaign at the park.
He assured the park’s commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at environmental sanitation and enhancing road safety.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FRSC Corps Marshal, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other stakeholders inspected kiosks and shops within the motor park.
They encouraged vendors to cease illegal commercial activities, including the sale of illicit drugs, to safeguard lives.
