Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has promised to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on plans to cushion the effect of the hike in transport fares.

Mr Otu made the promise on Friday in Calabar when he received the corps sector commander in the state, Istifanus Ibrahim.

While reiterating his administration’s commitment to working with all security agencies, he pledged to provide patrol vehicles for the corps.

“While I promise to collaborate with you to enhance safe driving, the issue of the creation of more zebra points for prompt rescue of crash victims should be looked into.

“As the lead agency in road safety administration and traffic management, you will definitely be involved as the state plans to provide buses for mass transit so as to cushion the effect of the hike in transport fares,” the governor said. 

In his remarks, Mr Ibrahim intimated the governor about the collaboration between the commission and the government, which he said had boosted the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR). 

He said this was through license processing, purchase of number plates, and vehicle registration.

The sector commander, however, enumerated some challenges which, when addressed, would boost the operational efficiency of the corps.

“We need provision of patrol vehicles to enable us to expand our coverage to improve the corps’ visibility and establishment of a FRSC unit in the government house to provide effective road services.

“We also want more driver’s licence centres established in the state and a roadside clinic set up at Odukpani to give prompt medical attention to victims of road crashes.

“There should also be an establishment of a unit command at Okurikang in Odukpani Local Government Area in the state for improved road safety management,” Mr Ibrahim said. 

The sector commander also requested the approval of the governor to organise quarterly sensitisation campaigns for staff of various ministries to create awareness and a responsible driving populace. 

(NAN)