The Kaduna State Government has barred personnel of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) from mounting checkpoints in Kaduna metropolis and other urban centres in the state.

A statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, explained that the government acted following complaints that FRSC officials were acting in ways reminiscent of the Vehicle Inspection Officers that was dissolved by the state government following widespread unease at their acts of disrespect for the public and penchant for extortion.

He said the Security Council also prohibited FRSC personnel from indiscriminately stopping vehicles for inspection in Kaduna town.

This situation, he said, “has been responsible for avoidable traffic congestion and accidents.”

He said FRSC personnel were advised to concentrate their energies on ensuring safe travel on highways such as the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.

Mr. Aruwan added that, in 2016 the Federal Government acceded to requests from the Kaduna State Government and redesignated the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (the Western Bye-pass) and Ahmadu Bello Road as state roads.

“Residents complain that FRSC officials create needless traffic bottlenecks on these state roads.

“Similarly, the (State Security) Council has directed that transporters should stop loading firewood, tomatoes and other goods on top of petrol tankers throughout the state. The Council drew the attention of the public to hazards such practices pose to lives and property,” he said.

He stated further that these actions became necessary after reviewing the trend, and noting concerns expressed by citizens over the undue hardship and accidents people have been exposed to at FRSC checkpoints and from reckless tanker drivers.

He said the Security Council, therefore, mandated security agencies to ensure compliance with these directives, and relevant agencies were also directed to impound defaulting tankers.

The meeting was chaired by Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Arc. Barnabas Yusuf Bala, Commander 1 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen Ismaila Isa, Commander 453 Base Services Group, Nigerian Air Force, Representative of the Commandant, Nigerian Navy School of Armament, Capt. SM Ochidi, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Agyole Abeh, Director DSS, Tijjani Mohammed Wakil and heads of other security agencies.

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