The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has trained dispatch riders on safety measures to curb avoidable accidents involving motorcycles on Abuja roads.

Dr Chinedu Elechi, Mandate Secretary, FCT Transportation Secretariat, during the training in Abuja on Thursday, said that the move was necessary following the rising cases of accidents involving motorcycles.

Elechi said that the development was largely due to the non-compliance to basic traffic laws and work pressure.

He urged the dispatch riders to make personal commitment at contributing to safer roads by fostering a culture of professionalism in the delivery sector.

“As the head of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, I am fully aware of the increasing risks faced by delivery riders on our roads.

“Today’s workshop is a strategic step in addressing these challenges and equipping the riders with the necessary tools to stay safe,” he said.

According to him, the broader vision of FCT transportation system is to ensure that all road users, irrespective of the means of transportation, can navigate the roads safely.

The mandate secretary said that FCTA had designed a Public Transport Management Scheme, to regulate and standardise transport operations, through digital solutions, training, and vehicle certification.

“We believe that through collaborative efforts like this, we can create a more secure and organised transport system that benefits everyone,” he said.

Elechi noted that the increasing growth of delivery services within the FCT was a clear indication of how essential the sector has become to the urban economy.

“Whether it is the delivery of food, parcels, or essential goods, riders play an indispensable role in ensuring that businesses thrive, and the needs of residents are met efficiently.

“However, this vital role also comes with its unique set of challenges, particularly looking at the safety of their operations on our roads,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Abdullateef Bello, Director, Department of Road Traffic Services, FCTA, equally noted that dispatch riders were fast becoming an integral part of the FCT mobility ecosystem.

Bello said that with the growth of e-commerce and the demand for swift deliveries, riders have been playing critical roles in ensuring that small parcel goods and services were delivered efficiently across the FCT.

“However, we have equally recorded increased risks on our roads, particularly for motorcycle riders who are often exposed to traffic hazards, accidents, and other safety concerns,” he said.

The director said that the theme of the workshop, “Empowering Riders for Safe Delivery Journeys”, was designed to ensure that dispatch riders have the requisite skills, information and support to navigate their daily work in a safe, secure, and responsible manner.

He added that the workshop was not only to raise awareness but also to provide practical tips on road safety, traffic regulations, and defensive riding techniques that would keep riders safe on the roads.

On her part, Ms Ewoma Jerry-Ogeme of the Public Policy Specialist West Africa-Bolt, said that the FCT public transportation regulatory reform had led to positive changes in the territory’s transport ecosystem.

She said that Bolt has been a proud partner, advocating for regulations that promote operational sustainability and ease of doing business.

Also, Mr Essien Etuk, Chairman, Association of Abuja Logistics Operators, commended DRTS for the efforts to educate and empower riders with the knowledge and skills necessary to stay safe on the roads.

“As an association, we commit to supporting initiatives that promote road safety and the well-being of our members,” Etuk said. (NAN)

The Federal Government says it will assist Jigawa in rebuilding Majia town where a recent fuel tanker explosion killed 100 persons.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, disclosed this on Thursday in Majia town when he led a federal government delegation to commiserate with the community over the tragedy.

He said that President Bola Tinubu was shocked by the news of the explosion that is feared to be the worst ever, in the country.

“The President has ordered an investigation into the incident; necessary measures will be taken because the President has a passion for Jigawa and has made a lot of interventions in the state.

“We have visited some of the affected persons in Rashid Shekoni Hospital, Dutse and we are at Majia to extend the Presidential condolences.

“The President has also ordered relevant agencies to come to Jigawa to rebuild the community and assis the affected families,” Akume said.

In his remarks, Kwara governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq expressed concern over the incident  and condoled the families of those who lost their lives.

Abdulrazaq, however, cautioned Nigerians against scooping of fuel whenever such accidents occur.

He urged relevant agencies to embark on massive awareness to prevent future occurrences.

Corp Marshal Shehu Muhammed of the Federal Road Safety Commission, in his remarks, said an investigation had been launched into the matter.

He said that based on the Presidential order, the commission would initiate more policies to reduce road accidents in the country.

Muhammed expressed dismay over the tanker explosion in Majia, and cautioned road users against disobeying traffic regulations.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa, while commending the Federal government for mourning with the state and sending a delegation, lauded President Tinubu’s multiple interventions and concerns for Jigawa and its people.

Other members of the delegation included defence minister Badaru Abubakar, his transportation counterpart Saidu Alkali, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement(North-West), Alhaji Abdullahi Yakasai.(NAN)

From Samuel James, Ilorin

The Kwara State government in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force 303 Composite Group (303 CG) have launched Operation Alanu Tide (OAT), an initiative aimed at combating insecurity along the Ogbomoso – Ilorin highway.

The operation was formally launched by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq who was represented by Senior Special Assistant on Security, Aliyu Muyideen and other key officials including; Group Captain Ibrahim, Squadron Leader OS Hakeem, Esther Oluyomi, Tunde Jimoh a Director in the Governor’s Office.

This initiative signifies the state’s commitment to improving safety and protecting residents from recent rising security challenges on the highway, which is a critical route for commuters and trade as well as tackling the challenge, physical inspection was done for the security outfit, which includes co-opted battle-ready local hunters.

The hunters have also assured they would do everything possible to weed out the security threats along the highway as they were fully ready for the joint operation.