Abuja: The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched a nationwide crackdown on overloading and other traffic violations, impounding at least 50 vehicles within two hours on the Giri-Gwagwalada-Lokoja Highway. This operation marks the start of a 30-day enforcement exercise aimed at reducing road accidents during the Christmas and New Year season.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, announced during the inauguration in Abuja that the corps would no longer tolerate what he termed as ‘madness’ and ‘rascality’ associated with overloading on Nigerian roads. Expressing visible anger towards the attitude of motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, Mohammed directed the unloading of goods and passengers from overloaded vehicles.
The corps has sought the cooperation of transport union leaders to restore order on the nation’s highways. Key transport unions, such as the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), have been invited to support this operation. The invitation followed earlier statewide town hall meetings with drivers, community leaders, and passengers. Appropriate steps are being taken to ensure those removed from overloaded vehicles receive transport fare to their destinations.
Mohammed stated that the enforcement would occur daily, around the clock, until January 15, with officers deployed across all major routes. He emphasized that the 50 vehicle impoundments reflect the scale of violations the corps plans to address nationwide. The leadership of RTEAN has made adequate provisions to ensure that passengers do not bear the consequences. Traffic offenders will be prosecuted immediately through mobile courts established in all 37 sector commands, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Judicial officers assigned to these courts will impose penalties on drivers found guilty of offences such as overloading, speeding, drink-driving, driving under the influence of drugs, and driving without valid licences or up-to-date vehicle papers. Drivers usually receive a reminder two weeks before their vehicle papers expire and are expected to renew them promptly. Anyone caught with expired documents during the operation will be fined.
The FRSC boss clarified that passengers in overloaded vehicles will not be punished, assuring that FRSC buses will convey them back to motor parks, while transport unions will pay their fares to their destinations. This approach is designed to protect innocent passengers and ensure they are not ‘demoralised’ by the enforcement activity. Although the operation is intensified for the festive period, the crackdown will continue beyond January to restore sanity on the roads.
Dr Musa Mohammed, President of RTEAN, pledged full support for the FRSC in its ongoing nationwide enforcement against overloading and other traffic violations. He stated that the association, representing vehicle owners across the country, does not support overloading or any act that endangers passengers and road users. RTEAN has informed its members that drivers must not consume alcohol or smoke Indian hemp while on duty, warning that any member found violating such rules will be punished by the association.
Mohammed noted that the enforcement is necessary to protect human lives and properties, ensuring that traffic laws are implemented in line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The operation is not intended to punish commuters; RTEAN will assist stranded passengers by transporting them back to motor parks, providing replacement vehicles, and paying their fares to their destinations. Drivers are fully aware of traffic laws and penalties and should not pretend otherwise, as every offence and its corresponding fine is clearly stated in the traffic regulations.
Sulaiman Danzaki, Senior Special Adviser on Intergovernmental and International Matters of NURTW, highlighted the union’s longstanding support for FRSC road safety policies. NURTW regularly advises the FRSC on strategies to reduce road accidents on Nigerian highways and commends the corps for their efforts in implementing policies. Danzaki also mentioned an internal control system implemented by NURTW, where drivers receive a pass ranking to address high speeds resulting from competition among drivers for the next destination.