Abuja: The Federal Government, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), transport workers unions, and other stakeholders convened in Abuja on Thursday to strategise on how to eliminate overloading on Nigerian roads.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stakeholders gathered at the Abuja Declaration 2026 event, which was jointly hosted by the FRSC and Business Day Media. The event’s theme was ‘Ending Overloading, Saving Lives: A National Commitment to Safer Roads and Responsible Transformation in Nigeria.’
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the President on Transportation and Mobility, Prince Ade-John, emphasized that ending overloading requires synergy among all stakeholders and road users. He stated that the movement to curb overloading is a collective responsibility, urging everyone to be proactive to prevent becoming victims of such practices.
Prince Ade-John highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Tinubu, to collaborate and strengthen the FRSC and other stakeholders to put an end to overloading. He mentioned the government’s plans to pass bills and enforce laws that bolster national road safety and security, as well as promote workshops and seminars to review and improve existing systems.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr. Shehu Mohammed, in his address, noted that the corps is repositioning itself with a proactive approach towards tackling overloading. He explained that the mandate of the FRSC emphasizes prevention, addressing overloading and other unsafe loading practices before vehicles hit the roads.
Mohammed elaborated on the multifaceted issues stemming from vehicle overloading, including road safety, infrastructure degradation, logistical challenges, and economic impacts. He warned against unsafe practices prevalent in the haulage and logistics sector, stressing that no financial savings are worth the loss of human lives.
He called for those involved in the transportation sector to accept responsibility for the safety of their cargo, accurately declare weights, and insist on safe loading practices. Mohammed emphasized that Nigeria’s economy relies heavily on the safe transportation of goods, making a safe transportation system essential for the country’s prosperity.
The dialogue brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including motorcycle and tricycle unions, the Nigerian Police, Army, Air Force, Civil Defence Corps, the media, and other relevant parties, all committed to addressing the overloading issue comprehensively.