Maxwell Lede, Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Katsina State Sector Command, on Sunday led a public enlightenment and strategic sensitisation campaign at the Charanchi Livestock Market, in line with the Corps’ mandate to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
Lede, while speaking with journalists during the event, said the campaign was necessitated by persistent violations of approved loading protocols, particularly the hazardous practice of mixed-loading animals, goods, and passengers, which continues to pose serious threats to road safety.
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He identified the practice as a major contributor to road traffic crashes, especially during the pre-, mid-, and post-yuletide periods when traffic volume increases nationwide.
Lede emphasised the dangers associated with improper loading and the need for strict compliance with safety regulations. He explained that Charanchi Livestock Market was deliberately selected due to its strategic importance as a major international livestock trading hub, attracting herders and traders from across the North-West and neighbouring countries, including the Niger Republic. According to him, its prominence makes it a critical point for addressing unsafe loading practices at the source.
Earlier on arrival, the Sector Commander paid a courtesy call on the District Head of Charanchi, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abashe, the Sarkin Shanun Katsina, to seek the cooperation and support of traditional institutions in combating mixed-loading.
He underscored the vital role of traditional rulers in influencing community behaviour and reinforcing compliance with safety standards.
In his response, the District Head pledged his support for the initiative and commended the FRSC for its consistency in community engagement through public enlightenment and enforcement.
The Sector Commander subsequently engaged the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), comprising taxi, bus, and heavy-duty truck operators, and stressed that transport union leaders bear significant responsibility for curbing mixed-loading from the point of departure.
Lede lamented that several road traffic crashes recorded in southern Nigeria have been traced to unsafe loading practices originating from the North-West, citing a recent fatal crash in Oyo State involving an overloaded truck conveying animals and passengers, which resulted in loss of lives and injuries and was traced to Charanchi as its point of origin.
The Corps Commander further expressed concern over the persistent breach of traffic laws and regulations, describing it as a grave threat to the sanctity of human life.
He reminded the transport union leadership that their responsibility transcends routine supervision, noting that leadership is a stewardship role with accountability not only to government but also to God.
“I urge all stakeholders to prioritise the dignity and safety of human life above profit. Collective commitment is essential to reversing the dangerous trend of mixed-loading,” he said.
The transport union leaders collectively expressed appreciation for the engagement and pledged their unwavering support to collaborate with the FRSC in enforcing safe loading practices. They also assured the Command of their commitment to ensuring that all vehicles operate in strict compliance with approved safety and loading protocols, thereby promoting safer travel and reducing road traffic crashes.
