The Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Engr. Prof. Samson Duna, delivered a keynote address at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Marshal One Day Retreat on June 28, 2024.
The event, which had as its theme, “Promoting Safe Transportation Through Public Awareness and Enforcement Strategies,” brought together stakeholders in the transportation sector to discuss crucial road safety issues and explore innovative solutions.
Professor Duna’s address highlighted the dangers posed by potholes on Nigerian roads, emphasizing their detrimental impact on road safety and vehicle maintenance.
He stressed that, potholes not only increase the risk of accidents but also lead to costly repairs for motorists, ultimately affecting the overall efficiency of transportation networks.
In an effort to address this vital issue, Professor Duna proposed leveraging waste products as sustainable materials for road construction and maintenance.
He introduced innovative techniques that utilize recycled materials such as plastic waste, rubber tires, and glass fragments to create durable and eco-friendly road surfaces. By incorporating waste products into road infrastructure, he emphasized the potential for cost-effective solutions that improve road quality while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Chairman of the occasion, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen, President of the Court of Appeal, emphasized the importance of collaboration in promoting safe transportation. She stated, “Road safety is a shared responsibility that requires collective efforts from stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
We must work together to create a transportation system that prioritizes safety and sustainability.”
His Royal Highness, Alh. Ibrahim Suleiman, the Emir of Nasarawa, graced the occasion as the Royal Father of the day and emphasized, “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our roads are designed and constructed with safety as a top priority, not just for ourselves, but for the well-being of our children and the generations that will follow us, by creating a transportation system that is both safe and sustainable for the future.”
The FCT Minister, represented by Dr. U. S Attah from the FCT Civil Service Commission, reiterated the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and enhancing road safety.
Other speakers, include the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr.
Shehu Mohammed, emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns and enforcement strategies to complement infrastructure development.
The retreat marked a significant step towards transformative changes in promoting safe transportation in Nigeria and with collective efforts, a more secure and sustainable transportation landscape can be achieved for all Nigerians.
