The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reiterated its commitment to the global campaign against road traffic crashes in line with the United Nations’ efforts to promote safer roads.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, made this known while addressing stakeholders at a one-day seminar held at the FRSC National Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday.
The seminar, organized to review the Marrakech Declaration on road safety, a key document from the last global road safety conference in Morocco.
Speaking at the event, the Corps Marshal emphasized Nigeria’s active role in the global campaign against road crashes, stressing that the country has always been at the forefront of promoting road safety.
He recalled that Nigeria was well represented at the first Global Road Safety Conference held in Moscow, Russia, in 2009, which led to the United Nations’ declaration of 2011-2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety. He also noted that even before the global call for a dedicated road safety lead agency, Nigeria had already established the FRSC as a functional institution to manage road safety.
“Let me therefore restate that FRSC will remain committed to the success of the goals of the campaign as espoused in the 2021-2030 UN declaration,” he said.
This was contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, who reaffirmed the FRSC’s dedication to achieving the objectives of the United Nations’ road safety agenda.
Commendation for stakeholders and NGOs
The Corps Marshal also appreciated road safety stakeholders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for their continued support in the fight against road crashes.
However, he particularly commended Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the founder of Kwapda’as Road Safety Demand (KRSD), for her patriotic role during the last global road safety conference in Marrakech. He urged other NGOs to take a cue from her and intensify their efforts in advocating road safety.
In her remarks, Justice Dongban-Mensem, who is also the President of the Court of Appeal, lauded the FRSC for its consistency in promoting road safety in Nigeria. She called on NGOs to step up their advocacy and assured that KRSD would remain committed to road safety campaigns.
“She charged all the nongovernmental organizations committed to the cause of road safety to do more in their advocacy programs in promoting road safety in the country. Justice Monica Dongban -Mensem further expressed the willingness of her NGO to pursue the goals of road safety with greater aggression”, the statement said.
Read also: NMDPRA commends FRSC corps marshal for swift emergency response, reassures partnership
Review of Marrakech Declaration and Road Safety Awards
During the seminar, experts engaged in discussions aimed at reviewing the Marrakech Declaration and recommending steps to improve road safety measures in Nigeria.
One of the highlights of the event was the public presentation of two prestigious awards won by Nigeria in recognition of its commitment to road safety.
“As part of the program at the seminar, some experts engaged in discussion aimed at reviewing the Marrakech declaration with recommendations on the way forward. Also at the seminar, the two awards won by Nigeria for its commitment to issues of road safety were publicly presented,” the statement said further.
The seminar had in attendance various road safety stakeholders, NGOs, and FRSC principal officers, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening road safety initiatives in the country.
