Transport
FRSC Warns Against Over Loading
Motorists in Rivers State have been cautioned against the effects of overloading and the use of mobile phones while driving on the road.
The Route Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Rivers State Command, Mr G Ukaegbu gave the warning during a sensitisation rally organised by the command at Mile 3 Motor Park, Ikwerre Road, Diobu, Port Harcourt recently.
Mr Ukaegbu said the campaign rally which was targeted towards re-sensitising the motoring public, said overloading and use of mobile phones while driving had been identified as the prevailing cause of road traffic crashes in the state, and called for a change of heart.
The Route commander, who centered his lecture on Traffic Laws on Overloading and use of phones, also cautioned drivers not to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol as well as warned against impatience among others that cause road accident and traffic gridlock.
According to him, road traffic crashes has become a cause of premature deaths, injuries and disabilities to road users, adding that it had also become a burden on the health system and enjoined all drivers to adhere to this clarion call which was geared towards the realization of safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles and safer road users.
In his speech, the Executive Director of Rivers Transport Company (RTC), Pastor Eyo Bassey reiterated the need for members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to caution their members on safe driving on the highways, stressing that human factors account for the greater percentage of road crash.
Pastor Eyo further stated that if not checked, there would be catastrophe and the nation and indeed the state would continue to lose able bodied men and women, who represent not only the future of their families, but of the entire society.
Also speaking, the chairman of NURTW, Mile 3 Park chapter, expressed gratitude to the corps for closing their park for the rally which he said would go a long way to bring about changes in attitude by the drivers, and noted that it would help reduce road traffic crashes, as drivers would strictly adhere to their advise.
The sector public enlightenment officer, Joyce Anya in her vote of thanks commended all for making the rally a huge success.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Passports Command, Ikoyi, has increased its surveillance on touting in a bid to check extortion within its jurisdiction.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with The Tide in Lagos, last Friday, the Immigration Comptroller, Passports Office, Ikoyi, Lagos, Deputy Comptroller Liman A.I , said the negative impact of touting on the nation’s economy would not be allowed to continue under his watch.
He said ,”we are applying persuasion, dialogue and seeking the support of all well meaning stakeholders in this area to spread the anti-touting message and dissuade people from unlawful acts. However, we could apply coercive power as the need arises.
“With the selfless leadership shown by the Comptroller General, Alhaji Mohammed Babandede, we at the PCO, Ikoyi, Lagos, have decided to re-dedicate ourselves to duty and complement the efforts of the CGIS.
“We are prepared more than ever to wage the anti-miscreants war relentlessly.
Liman assured the general public of friendly environment for legitimate transaction in an effort to strengthen the national economy, warning deviants to shun touting and other related vices.
According to him, “the command has keyed into the various strategies including the use of ICT in gathering of intelligence, among others.
“The service believes that the fight against miscreants within its corridor cannot be undertaken by the service alone, hence our call on Nigerians to partner with us in ensuring that the passport seekers do not patronise touts to defraud them. Our resolve is unshaken and our commitment is total”.
On her part, the Public Relations Officer of the command, a Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI), Mrs Adetoun Shiyindemi, commended the Deputy Comptroller Liman, for his selfless service, pointing out that he has really given the officers and men of the command a sense of belonging.
“Since the Comptroller came in, it has been a servant-leader relationship here at Ikoyi PCO and we are all motivated to put in our best with what the CGIS has given us, you will see a new immigration service”, she assured.
By: NkpemenyieMcdominic, Lagos
The Bonny Maritime Transport Association (BMTA) has called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Rivers State Government to dredge the Port Harcourt/Bonny Jetty to enhance marine operations.
The union said the low shore of the river hampers its operations and grounds boats.
The Marine Safety Officer, BMTA, Comrade Kings Don, who made the call, said the low shore of the jetty was not helpful to marine operations.
According to him, drivers and passengers find it difficult to ply the route whenever the tide is low, thus wasting man hours.
“Sometimes, we push the boat to a level it would afloat due to low tide suffered in the jetty. We are appealing to NIMASA and the state government to assist and dredge the jetty for more efficiency”, he pleaded.
Don described the Port Harcourt/Bonny Jetty as the gateway to Bonny Island and other riverine communities, and called on NIMASA and the state government to intervene and make the marine sector viable in the area.
He said that the prompt dredging of the jetty would enhance water transportation in the state and improve its revenue generation.
He, however, commended the security agents, especially the Nigerian Navy and the marine police, for rescuing the waterways and creeks from all forms of criminality.
Comrade Don appealed to the security agents to engage in 24-hour patrol of the routes and other channels to save lives and property.
By: Chinedu Wosu
A renowned ship owner in the country, Alhaji Aminu Umar, has decried lack of standardisation and enforcement of safety measures on the nation’s inland waterways by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
He also blamed lack of will to enforce regulations, safety, standard and regulations on overloading, night voyage, rickety and old craft as causes of mishap on the inland waterways.
Alhaji Umar, who is a former president, Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), said in Minna, Niger State, recently that enforcement of safety and standard on the nation’s inland waterways was weak.
Reacting to incessant boat mishaps in the country, Umar said, “there is no standard applied on movement of people, as all kinds of boat are being used. It is important that we standardise, because lack of safety and standard will increase accident.
“I think, the task of NIWA is to standardise conditions and procedures on the nation’s waterways”.
He also called for the regulation of movement of badges and passenger boats across the port environment.
“It’s a huge risk allowing badges moving containers around the port area side by side with boats carrying passengers.
“Moving people and containers at the same time is a huge risk, and a safety concern.
“NIWA and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) should see to this and tackle the menace”, he said.