FIC Report (Niger State) – Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago has called for the need for a National Policy that will regulate the activities of heavy-duty vehicles in the country.
The farmer Governor made the call when he received his Ogun State counterpart, Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun on a condolence visit over the recent tanker explosion in Diko Junction which claimed many lives.
He observed that the sizes of heavy-duty vehicles and the quantum of content in them, plying Nigeria roads call for concern, hence the need to regulate such practices.
The farmer Governor suggested that the National Economic Council (NEC) should consider the issue and also the State of Nigeria roads as a national problem with a view to finding solutions.
He also re-echoed the re-introduction of tollgates which he said could address some of the sharp practices of drivers of heavy-duty vehicles and also boost socio-economic activities in the affected areas.
While thanking his Ogun State colleague for the visit, the farmer Governor says it signifies unity of purpose.
Earlier, the Ogun State Governor, Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun noted that the Diko Junction tanker explosion is one too many.
He said it is time for an aggressive advocacy using the Media and online platforms to educate the people not to scoop whenever a tanker overturns and spills its content
The Ogun State Governor who also decried how the heavy-duty vehicles are destroying Nigeria roads, also agreed with the position of the farmer Governor for NEC to discuss and come up with resolutions that would address all the gaps in regulating the movement of heavy-duty vehicles to ensure safety on Nigeria roads.
He commiserated with the Government and the people of Niger State over the incident, prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed, healing to the injured and comfort to the families of the victims.
Signed
Asabe Sule Garba
HOC MINNA
