The Rivers State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) to support the ‘Safe-to-Load’ initiative of the corps.
The Sector Commander, Salisu Galadunci, made the call on Monday when he paid a courtesy visit to the management of the company in Port Harcourt.
Galadunci said the call became necessary, considering that Rivers is the hub of petroleum products distribution, adding that the initiative was to ensure safety for tankers.
He said the corps had so far trained 168 officers under the initiative and subsequently deployed them in the various tank farms across the country.
According to him, the initiative is targeted at ensuring minimum safety standards for all tankers loading at depots.
He expressed delight that the programme had helped to drastically reduce the high incidence of tanker explosions in the country, since its inception.
The FRSC boss said the country recorded 17,198 road traffic crashes in 2015, with 844 cases involving tankers and trailers.
“The Rivers command has18 officers deployed in various tank farms in Port Harcourt and the Eleme axis.
“I plead with the management of PHRC to use its supervisory position to ensure that these officers are assigned office spaces to enable them to carry out their duties effectively,” he said.
Galadunci commended the success of the safe-to-load initiative, describing it as “a mitigative action to reverse the menace”.
He said the state recorded the lowest tanker crashes since he assumed office as the sector commander.
He attributed the development to constant road patrols and sensitisation of tanker drivers through effective collaboration with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and Petroleum Tanker Drivers.
Galadunci said there was, however, the need for “a deeper cooperation, especially as some of the drivers have always resorted to cutting corners and disregarding our safety rules, irrespective of the doggedness of our route officers”.
Responding, the Managing Director of PHRC, Mr Ahmed Dikko, thanked the command for the visit and pledged more commitment towards strengthening the cooperation among the relevant agencies to enhance safe operations in the state.
“I applaud the FRSC for coming up with such a noble safety programme for the benefit of the people.
“PHRC is a safety-conscious organisation, safety is the watchword of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.
“We will do everything within our powers to collaborate with FRSC Rivers for the success of the safe-to-load programme. nan.”
