Abuja – The Federal Government has released new 316 operational vehicles to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The new vehicles were recently procured by the Federal Government to enhance the operations of FRSC nationwide.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated the new vehicles, saying they were for effective patrol of highways across the country.
The 316 operational vehicles are made up of 239 patrol vehicles, 49 ambulances, 23 tow trucks and five patrol bikes.
Mustapha said at the inauguration of the vehicles at the FRSC headquarters that they would be mainly for the patrol of new roads just provided by the Federal Government.
He said the provision of the vehicles was to enhance the operations of the corps and ensure safety of road users across the country.
He said the FG would remain consistent in providing improved transport infrastructure and told the regulatory agencies to live up to expectations.
He said, “Let me use this opportunity to reiterate President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the provision of transport infrastructure.
“This is because he believes that it is a key determinant of performance in any nation’s development and growth process.
“Indeed, investment in transport infrastructure encourages economic impact.”
He urged the corps to sustain its leadership role in Africa in making roads safer for economic growth, adding that the patrol vehicles should be deployed to cover the entire country, as soon as possible, while noting that the vehicles would boost the operations of the FRSC and give it more ambiance to carry out its duties effectively.
Acting Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, said the vehicles would help to improve the FRSC field operations through the provision of real-time reports and active support as well as backup to field officers.
He assured of proper deployment and utilisation of the vehicles to all locations, for the safety of motorists.
Biu appealed for improved funding of the Corps to enable it to realise its vision of full coverage of all operational commands nationwide.
According to him, the FRSC operational areas comprise 12 zonal commands, 37 sector commands, 223 unit commands, 58 outposts and 527 station offices.
The FRSC Board Chairman, Bukhari Bello, thanked President Buhari for his support to the corps for efficient service delivery.
Representative of the Inspector General of Police Usman Baba, AIG Operations, Bala Ciroma, pledged a harmonious working relationship with the FRSC for effective traffic management in the country.