Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday convened a town hall meeting in Sokoto to reposition efforts aimed at preventing tanker and trailer crashes and to strengthen broader road safety measures across the state’s major corridors.
The meeting brings together transport unions, petroleum marketers, haulage operators, vehicle inspectors, emergency services, traditional leaders and civil society groups, the dialogue focused on practical steps to reduce fatal crashes linked to articulated vehicles, particularly on the Sokoto–Gusau, Sokoto–Illela, and Sokoto–Kebbi routes.
In his opening remarks, the Sokoto State Sector Commander Umar Aliyu said the forum was designed to “move from talk to targeted action,” emphasizing that most crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles are preventable through strict compliance with safety standards, proper vehicle maintenance and responsible driving culture.
“We are tightening the enforcement net on speed violations, worn-out tyres, overloading and night driving abuses.
“But enforcement works best when operators, unions, and communities co-own the solution. Today, we’re codifying that shared responsibility into a clear plan,” the commander stated.
Representatives of haulage and petroleum transport associations pledged to intensify internal compliance mechanisms, including periodic driver re-certification, fatigue management schedules and strict adherence to loading protocols.
They also called for improved road furniture signage, lane markings, functional street lighting in high-risk zones and the prompt removal of broken-down vehicles.
A technical session led by FRSC operatives highlighted common causative factors: speeding, mechanical defects, driver fatigue, substance abuse, unsecured cargo and poor journey planning.
The session recommended compulsory pre-trip checks, electronic speed limiters, reflective tapes on long vehicles, and the phased elimination of substandard tyres.
Stakeholders agreed on a joint “Safe Journey Protocol” for tankers and trailers that sets departure windows to limit night time transit, mandates rest breaks every four hours, and requires operators to file basic journey plans on long-distance hauls.
The protocol also encourages the use of lay-bys and designated rest areas for checks and driver recovery.
Emergency response was another priority.
The meeting resolved to strengthen coordination among FRSC rescue teams, state emergency services and hospitals through a harmonized distress line and mapped response grid.
Community volunteers and local vigilante groups along crash prone corridors will receive basic first-aid and scene management orientation to stabilize victims before ambulances arrive.
To boost deterrence, the FRSC announced targeted patrols and mobile courts on identified black spots, with immediate sanctions for critical infractions.
The Vehicle Inspection Office, in collaboration with the Corps, will scale up routine roadworthiness checks, while the Standards Organisation and other regulators will step up market surveillance against fake tyres and parts.
Participants urged transport companies to deploy in cab monitoring tools and alcohol/drug screening, and to reward safe-driving records.
Insurers at the forum advocated for a stronger linkage between premium pricing and demonstrable safety investments, arguing that safer fleets should enjoy lower costs.
On community engagement, traditional and religious leaders pledged to support continuous sensitisation especially around school zones, markets and motor parks while media partners committed to running periodic safety jingles and publishing “Know Your Road Signs” features to keep public awareness high.
At the close, the meeting adopted a Sokoto Heavy-Duty Vehicle Safety Compact anchored on five pillars: (1) Compliance & Enforcement, (2) Engineering & Infrastructure, (3) Education & Behaviour Change, (4) Emergency Response, and (5) Data & Accountability. A multi agency monitoring committee will publish quarterly scorecards tracking crashes, response times and compliance rates.
“Saving lives on our highways is a collective duty,” the Sector Commander concluded.
“With this compact, Sokoto is signalling zero tolerance for avoidable tanker and trailer crashes and a determined shift to evidence led, community-owned safety.”
