Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has advocated for a review of the country’s transportation policies and the need for efficient mass transit systems to help check traffic issues on major roads across Nigeria.
Obaseki said this when he received the out-gone Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone 5, Zonal Commanding Officer, Mr. Godwin Ogagaoghene, who was on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
According to him, “There is quite a spread of federal roads even within the metropolitan areas; you will agree with me that traffic has become a problem for us.
“This is not because we don’t have the road network but because of sheer size and the influx of people into the state.
“We also believe it’s high time that we revisited our transportation policies. It’s not just sustainable to move the majority of our people in cars; we must look at working with your documents in national transportation policy and see how we can begin to encourage mass transit systems.”
The governor continued: “We are likely to run into some problems soon with the current economic challenges in the country; we need to introduce a mass transit system that will help to cushion the effects on the masses.
“Just like you said, we enjoyed a good cordial working relationship with your agency, particularly the support you have given our own Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA). I know you have been quite supportive in terms of capacity building, collaboration and cooperation.
“The working relationship shows what can be achieved when there is cooperation between the federal and state agencies. We are strategically positioned in terms of federal roads and so the span you have to cover in Edo, I believe has been quite extensive.”
He further noted: “This is one of the areas that we will continue to look at the agency to collaborate with in order to further strengthen transportation systems of our dear state. I would like to urge you not to retire even though you are formally retired.
“Your experience, the knowledge that you have gathered in the course of your duty must be put to use especially now.”
Earlier, Godwin Ogagaoghene assured Governor Obaseki that he would help in training the state-owned EDSTMA in traffic management and ensure the arrest of traffic offenders.
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