The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has established 102 new formations to enhance its presence and visibility in all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dauda Biu, stated this in Abuja on Friday at the inauguration of 130 multi-functional operational vehicles provided by the federal government.

Giving a breakdown of the figure, Mr Biu said that the formations included 34 area commands, 56 unit commands, 10 outposts and two zebra commands.

He added that the offices were provided by various governments and public-spirited individuals and groups to support the corps in reducing road traffic crashes and deaths.

The FRSC boss noted that inadequate patrol, rescue and recovery vans had continued to hinder the ability of the corps to perform optimally.

Mr Biu added that shortage of such facilities had limited the presence of the agency on the wide network of roads across the country.

He added that it slowed down its ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including clearance of obstructions on the roads.

He, however, acknowledged that the federal government had demonstrated practical commitment to ensuring safer movement of goods and people across the country.

“Having encouraged the corps through the provision of these impactful operational vehicles, permit me to pledge the total commitment of the officers and men of the corps.

“This is to the attainment of the United Nations Decade of Action 2021-2030 agenda with all vigour and patriotism,” he said.

The FRSC boss stressed the importance of effective road transport system to the economy of the nation.

“Our target, as encapsulated in our corporate strategic goal for this year, is to achieve a five per cent reduction in road traffic fatalities and traffic injuries in 2023.

“This is in line with Accra declaration of 2007 and United Nations Decade of Action 2021-2030.

“The present leadership of the corps is committed to both development agenda and these vehicles will give a push to the existing efforts at achieving this set goal,” he said.

Mr Biu reaffirmed the readiness and preparedness of the corps to performing optimally with the additional tools to attain its corporate strategic goals.

“This has been demonstrated through increased budgetary and logistic provisions in the last few years.

“Again, today, another milestone is being reached with the inauguration of these impactful multifunctional operational vehicles,” he said.

The FRSC boss reiterated that the agency would remain committed to ensuring safety of all Nigerians on the nation’s highways and continue to support initiatives that could lead to the realisation of the security objectives of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

He called on all stakeholders to support the corps in its efforts at checking road crashes and other set objectives.

Also speaking, the permanent secretary, FCT, Olusade Adesola, noted that FRSC had been responding promptly to distress calls and contributing to safety of lives and property across the country.

Mr Adesola charged the public, especially motorists, to embrace the culture of safety and good driving.

“Road safety is an essential aspect of our daily lives. The change we desire should begin with us all because its our responsibility.

“On our part, we will continue to prioritise road safety,” he said.

(NAN)