Benue Links Trains Drivers On Defensive Driving Ahead Of Yuletide
Benue Links Limited has commenced a three-day training programme for its drivers on defensive driving, road safety and vehicle maintenance ahead of the yuletide season.
The training, held in Makurdi, is aimed at improving passenger safety, reducing road accidents and strengthening the company’s operational efficiency during the expected increase in travel activities in November and December.
The programme also covers security awareness, emotional control, vehicle management and professional conduct, equipping drivers with the knowledge and skills required to handle the demands of transporting passengers safely.
Declaring the workshop open, the Head of Service of Benue State, Dr Eunice Ihu, described the initiative as timely, considering the anticipated increase in human movement during the festive period.
Ihu commended the General Manager of Benue Links, Alexander Fanafa, and his management team for investing in staff development, operational efficiency and passenger safety.
She urged the drivers to demonstrate discipline, patience and sound judgment, while respecting passengers, obeying traffic regulations and prioritising the safety of everyone on the road.
The Head of Service described the drivers as ambassadors of both the company and Benue State, stressing the need for continuous training to improve staff capacity and organisational performance.
Earlier, Fanafa said the training was part of efforts by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to reposition Benue Links as a leading transport company in Nigeria.
He explained that the programme was designed to improve drivers’ attitudes and psychological preparedness for the responsibilities associated with transporting passengers.
According to him, the company has more than 1,800 drivers, making it difficult to withdraw all of them from operations simultaneously without disrupting services.
He disclosed that the training sessions would be recorded and made available to drivers who could not attend physically to ensure wider participation and knowledge sharing.
Fanafa also called on the participating agencies to identify operational gaps and recommend measures that would further improve the company’s service delivery.
He appreciated the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Department of State Services (DSS), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Ministry of Power, Renewable Energy and Transport for supporting the initiative.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy and Transport, Joseph Jir, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lilian Ode, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving transport efficiency and protecting passengers.
He emphasised that safe driving required patience, discipline and the ability to make sound decisions within short periods.
Jir also urged the company to strengthen its vehicle maintenance and monitoring systems to complement the drivers’ training.
The workshop featured presentations from resource persons drawn from the FRSC, DSS, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), NDLEA and a psychologist.
The presentations focused on defensive driving techniques, road security, vehicle control, the dangers of drug and alcohol consumption while driving, emotional management, and compliance with road signs and traffic regulations.
The FRSC Zonal Commander, ACM Joseph Udoabba, described the exercise as a worthwhile investment, noting that continuous training and retraining were essential for organisational growth and improved performance.
He cautioned drivers against drinking while driving and reminded them of their responsibility to protect other road users, including motorists and pedestrians.
Udoabba urged the participants to take the lessons seriously, noting that driving practices and road safety requirements continued to evolve.
Similarly, the NAPTIP Zonal Commander in Makurdi, Theresa Kuma, encouraged the drivers to apply the knowledge gained to improve professionalism, service delivery and passenger safety.
She also called for stronger collaboration between Benue Links and NAPTIP through information sharing to support efforts to combat human trafficking.
