The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ikeja Unit command, had held its 4th Quarter Stakeholders meeting in Ikeja, Lagos, using the medium to shade more lights on the National Road Transport Regulation (NRTR) 2016, as it affects Road Transport Standardization Scheme (RTSS). The Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Ikeja, Assistant Corps Commander, Emma Fekoya, in her remark said that she is aware that majority of the fleet operators have keyed into the RTSS scheme, while some are in the process of doing so. Speaking on the issue of certification and inspection format, she said road safety is everyone’s responsibility and urged everyone to “play your part while others do likewise”. The Unit Commander explained that the Road Transport Standardization Scheme (RTSS) is a law created in the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012, and provides for the establishment of safety units by all transport operators, so as to bring professionalism into the industry, as well as promote and develop rapid, safe, efficient and convenient transportation system into Nigeria. She said that the scheme was actually launched in 2007, by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, and therefore made it compulsory for every fleet operator to be properly registered and regulated to improve the safety standard of their operations. Dr. Dada, from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), who presented a paper on Stress Management, explained that stress is a mental issue which should be checked in transport operations. He also said that, some drivers need stress evaluation because when looked down on stress, it may result to many things once on the road. The medical doctor also advised drivers to relax their body when they are stressed to avoid the harmful side of it. Also speaking at the meeting on “The Role of Safety Managers in the Recent Dispensation”, RC. K. O Akinwale, said according to NRTR 2010 and 2011, it is mandatory that all fleet operators must have safety managers. He also mentioned some of the areas this safety managers will cover, like Risk assessment, Route assessment, Drivers assessment and Vehicle assessment, and appealed to fleet operators not to over engage their drivers for more than 9 hours. In conclusion, Mr. Shola Olupitan, Special Marshal, Unit 34, Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Ang. Church, Ikeja, used the opportunity to educate the public on the duties of a Special Marshal. He said that, the Federal Road Safety Corps comprises of three types that is the Regular, the Special Marshals and Road Safety club. He also said that some of the roles of the Special Marshals include making the highways and roads safe for motorists and other road users, recommending works and devices designed to eliminate or minimize accidents on the roads and advice Federal ministry of works on the locality where such works are required. He also lay down some requirements for stakeholders who may want to join the league for safety. He said to become a Special Marshal, the person must be at a minimum age of 35yrs old, must be responsible, must have a visible source of income, must have a road worthy vehicle and a valid drivers license. The meeting witnessed the likes of Mamba Energy drink, Vita Foam, NEMA, LUTH, MAN, and many others to mention. ]]>
