The Head of the Civil Service (HOCS) in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Elsie Peters, has urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to promote the establishment of standard driving schools across Nigeria to ensure prospective motorists receive proper training before obtaining their driver’s licences.
Peters made the call at the Conference Room of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Government House, Uyo, when the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Akwa Ibom, Corps Commander Felicia Kalu, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to her.
She said standard driving schools would equip prospective drivers with the skills and knowledge needed for responsible driving and help improve safety on the roads.
The HOCS also urged the Corps to sustain its road safety enlightenment efforts, particularly by educating motorists on the proper understanding and observance of traffic signs. She noted that such campaigns were especially important during festive periods, when increased vehicular movement could heighten the risk of road crashes.
Peters further called for greater awareness against the construction of unauthorised speed bumps by residents, stressing that such structures, when installed without the approval and supervision of the State Ministry of Works, could create additional risks for motorists.
She assured the FRSC that her office was ready to make government drivers available for training and retraining programmes and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at improving road safety in the state.
Kalu, who is the 24th Sector Commander of the FRSC in Akwa Ibom, said the visit was to formally introduce herself to the HOCS and brief her on activities since she assumed office about four months ago.
She commended the state government for its infrastructure development and support for the Corps, adding that the command had conducted a road assessment across the state to examine road conditions and the behaviour of road users.
According to her, the assessment showed that Akwa Ibom has a good road network but requires additional traffic signs and zebra crossings, particularly around schools.
Kalu disclosed that 98 schools had been identified as requiring zebra crossings, noting that the Corps had already partnered with relevant groups to provide crossings at some of the schools. She added that discussions were ongoing with the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom to extend the initiative to more schools.
The Sector Commander also said the command had stepped up road safety education for motorists and other road users and was seeking the support of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service for its training, retraining and other road safety initiatives.
