By Babalola Gafar
The Sector Commander of the Ogun State FRSC, Akinwunmi Fasakin while sensitizing the drivers on Wednesday at the command revealed that the increasing presence of small, medium, and large-scale industries across the state has resulted in a sharp rise in the influx of trucks and trailers adding that this industrial growth has brought about a surge in road crashes involving these heavy-duty vehicles.
“This industrialization has resulted into influx of trucks and trailers in the state and we’ve noticed that we have been having increase in the number of crashes involving trucks and trailers in the state .
“We notice that if you’re coming in into Abeokuta , we have some industries, and we have been noticing that trailers are now parking indiscriminately.”
He stated that in response to a resolution passed by the Ogun State House of Assembly in January 2025, the FRSC has been mandated to develop and implement strategies aimed at curbing these excesses saying that the Corps has commenced stakeholder engagement and sensitization involving truck drivers, commercial drivers, marine and quarry drivers.
To strengthen enforcement, Fasakin said that a joint task force is being proposed, comprising the Nigerian Army, Civil Defense Corps, FRSC, and the Police adding that this task force will focus on dislodging illegally parked trailers, particularly around Ogere, Interchange, and other critical corridors of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Fasakin also disclosed that letters have been sent to companies operating in the affected areas, urging them to provide proper trailer parks for their trucks.
The Sector Commander noted that many of the drivers involved in these incidents are unlicensed, underage, or inexperienced.
“They take advantage of the size of their vehicles to bully smaller cars on the road, which is totally unacceptable,” he added.
To ensure road safety during the Easter season, Fasakin said the FRSC is deploying over 20 patrol vehicles across Ogun State, with at least 10 of them dedicated to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
“The Corps has identified crash-prone areas and will be maintaining high visibility to ensure compliance and reduce crashes.”
Meanwhile , the First Vice Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria Abeokuta branch, Alhaji Monsuru Owokade, commended the FRSC’s efforts.
His words “ This sensitization program is timely. Our trucks are expensive assets, and anything that helps protect them as road users is welcome.
“We also do regular sensitization for our drivers and ensure they avoid alcohol before getting behind the wheel,” he said.
Similarly, the Treasurer of the Ogun State Trailers Drivers Association Comrade Fatai diyaolu expressed satisfaction with the campaign.
“If this kind of sensitization happens more often, I’ll be very happy. We also have our task force, but we support the idea of a joint enforcement team,” he said.
Comrade Akanbi Jelili, Chairman of the Transport Section of the Nigeria Union of Mine Workers, described the program as well-organized and impactful.
“We have regular meetings with our drivers, but we urge the Road Safety to be patient with them. Many of our drivers are not literate, and managing them requires tact and understanding,” he advised.
