Esther Salifu
In a decisive move to enhance road safety, the Federal Government has inaugurated a special committee tasked with identifying and mitigating the underlying causes of road accidents on Nigeria’s highways.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja.
The committee’s primary objective is to review and develop comprehensive recommendations to tackle the frequent road traffic accidents, particularly those involving trailer and tanker drivers.
Alkali said: “We must implement practical solutions that enhance safety and prevent these tragic and avoidable incidents.”
The minister highlighted the human cost of these accidents, saying “These incidents are not just statistics — they represent lives lost, properties destroyed, and families shattered. This must stop.”
To ensure timely action, the committee has been given a one-week deadline to submit its findings and proposals. Among its mandates is the exploration of mandatory training and certification programs for trailer and tanker drivers nationwide, aiming to ensure adherence to safety and professional standards.
The committee comprises a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Driving School Association of Nigeria (DSAN), Female Drivers Association (FDA), Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), and the Institute of Driving Inspectors of Nigeria (IDIN).
Expressing optimism about the committee’s potential impact, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Janet McDickson, conveyed hopes for a new era of discipline, safety consciousness, and professionalism among drivers of heavy-duty vehicles.
The Federal Government calls on all relevant bodies to cooperate fully with the committee, supporting its mission to enhance national road safety for the collective benefit of all Nigerians.
