In a bid to curb the rising number of road accidents involving Benue State transport companies, the Honourable Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy, and Transport, Barr. Omale Omale, convened a crucial stakeholders meeting in Makurdi. The meeting, held at the Benue Links Nigeria Limited headquarters, brought together key players in the transport sector, including public and private transport company owners, regulatory agencies, and representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and Divisional Inspection Officers.
Barr. Omale, in his address, emphasized that Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s deep concern over the increasing rate of fatal accidents in the state necessitated the urgent engagement with transport stakeholders. He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Benue residents, stressing the need for proactive measures to tackle the environmental, human, and mechanical factors contributing to road crashes.
The General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comrade Alexander Fanafa, highlighted the company’s efforts to ensure road safety, noting that Benue Links—operating a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles—has implemented proactive and educative measures to align with global best practices in transport management.
According to Fanafa, these efforts have resulted in a 56% reduction in road crashes involving Benue Links vehicles. He further disclosed that the company collaborates with security agencies, the FRSC, the National Drug Enforcement and Regulation Agency (NDLEA), spare parts manufacturers, and even spiritual functionaries to ensure the overall safety of passengers and drivers.
The meeting identified several strategies to improve transport management and reduce accidents, including:
•Ensuring that all drivers possess the necessary licenses and qualifications.
•Regular training and integrity tests to enhance drivers’ skills.
•Upgrading road infrastructure to improve transport conditions.
•Partnering with insurance companies to provide adequate coverage for transport companies and passengers.
•Enforcing strict compliance with road safety regulations among transport operators.
Speaking on behalf of Benue Links, the company’s Information Officer, Mr. Johnson Ehi, described the meeting as a major step towards improving transport safety in Benue State. He emphasized that strong partnerships and collaboration between stakeholders would significantly reduce accidents, enhance infrastructure, and create a safer, more efficient transport system for residents and travelers.
As part of the resolutions from the meeting, stakeholders agreed to intensify awareness campaigns and implement strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure adherence to road safety standards across all transport companies in Benue State.
