January 23, (THEWILL) – The Delta State Traffic Management Authority has announced a strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Corps to enhance traffic management and enforce road safety regulations across the state.
Speaking in Asaba on Tuesday, the Director-General of DESTMA, Hon. Benjamin Okiemute (NN, RTD, FNIIS), described the partnership as a decisive step towards addressing the rising cases of traffic violations, road congestion, and accidents.
“This collaboration will enhance road safety and ensure stricter compliance with traffic regulations across the state,” Okiemute stated during his visit to the sister agencies, accompanied by the Chairman of the DESTMA Board, Chief Peter Idion, and other board members.
The DG emphasised that the combined efforts of the three agencies would create a robust system to combat reckless driving, reduce the harassment of enforcement officers, minimize road crashes, and promote adherence to traffic laws.
“The initiative involves joint patrols, coordinated enforcement operations, and the deployment of personnel to critical areas prone to traffic violations,” Okiemute explained, noting that a unified approach was essential for effective enforcement and fostering a culture of discipline among road users.
He also highlighted plans to raise public awareness about traffic regulations through face-to-face sensitization campaigns targeting drivers, pedestrians, and other road users.
Okiemute applauded the FRSC and NSCDC for their continued support and appealed to the FRSC to facilitate the training and retraining of DESTMA officers.
He stressed the importance of equipping officers with the necessary skills to handle their duties professionally and with a positive approach while working in the field.
The Chairman of DESTMA, Chief Peter Idion, underscored the importance of building strong inter-agency relationships to ensure a seamless enforcement process.
“The visits were aimed at fostering cooperation and establishing interdepartmental synergy to improve traffic management in Delta State,” he said.
Chief Idion also commended the sister agencies for their contributions to training DESTMA officers, ensuring that road users experience safe and smooth operations across the state.
The Delta State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commander Mathew Ovie, reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to support the initiative, noting that the NSCDC’s constitutional mandate to protect lives and property aligns with DESTMA’s goals.
“Ensuring order on the roads is a collective responsibility, and this partnership provides a valuable opportunity to enhance public safety,” Ovie said.
Similarly, the Delta State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Commander Fredrick Ogidan, described the collaboration as timely and critical.
He expressed optimism that the partnership would improve traffic management, ease road congestion, and save lives.
“The synergy between the agencies is poised to deliver commendable results that will benefit all road users,” Ogidan remarked.
DESTMA announced that the partnership would fully commence in the first quarter of 2025, with pilot operations set to begin in high-traffic areas.
The agency assured the public of professionalism and fairness in the enforcement of traffic regulations, emphasizing that all activities would be conducted within the bounds of the law.
Commander Ogidan urged motorists and other road users to comply with traffic laws and cooperate with enforcement officers to ensure the initiative’s success.
This strategic alliance underscores the commitment of DESTMA, NSCDC, and FRSC to ensuring safer roads and a more orderly transportation system in Delta State.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
