Veteran transporter Nze Edozie Godwin has highlighted the challenges facing Nigeria’s road transport sector, pointing to deteriorating road conditions and the soaring cost of auto spare parts as major concerns. He noted that these issues are undermining the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).
Speaking to members of the Unity Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abia State, Edozie stressed the urgent need for the government to repair the nation’s dilapidated roads in order to protect the lives of drivers and passengers.
He also called for comprehensive reforms aimed at helping drivers, commuters, and transport operators better cope with the current harsh economic realities.
Edozie noted that bad roads, the rising cost of vehicle spare parts, and the use of expired tyres were responsible for most accidents recorded on Nigerian roads. He urged the Federal Government to fix the roads and address economic challenges to discourage drivers from patronizing substandard tyres and other auto parts.
Edozie, who is a Director of Rivers Joy Travels, commended the efforts of the FRSC in preventing accidents on Nigeria’s roads but observed that accidents caused by bad roads and other factors make it appear as though the FRSC is not at work.
“We are not just talking about the business of transportation. We are talking about the safety of human lives. The state of our roads and the cost of maintaining vehicles are getting worse.
“We always encourage our drivers to be safety conscious by buying only genuine spare parts. But the bad economy, which has pushed up prices of spare parts, including tyres, can force some to patronise affordable products which may not be safe.”
He continued: “Road Safety people are doing very well in their duties, but bad roads lead to broken shock absorbers, bent axles, worn-out tyres, and excessive fuel consumption. When roads fail, vehicles and passengers pay the price. These now make it seem as if they are not doing much.”
Edozie, however, thanked Governor Alex Otti for the ongoing fixing of death-trap roads in Abia.
Responding, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State, Chidi Asonye, and female journalist Tina Ikwuegbu said journalists were interested in the safety of drivers and their passengers in Abia.
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