Police, FRSC, NSCDC Pledge Support For Inclusive Transport Reforms In FCT
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have pledged to support reforms aimed at making transportation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) safer, more accessible and inclusive, particularly for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable commuters.
The commitment was made during the “Safe Transport, Inclusive Abuja” stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), Abuja Chapter.
The event brought together representatives of government agencies, transport unions, security organisations, disability advocacy groups and other stakeholders to discuss challenges facing commuters and develop policy recommendations to improve safety, accessibility and inclusion within Abuja’s transport system.
Representing the FCT Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Akaniyene Edward assured participants that issues raised during the dialogue would receive the attention of the command.
He said directives would be issued to police divisions across the FCT to ensure traffic officers provide assistance to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable road users whenever necessary.
Edward noted that such measures would help create a safer and more responsive transportation system for all commuters.
Speaking on behalf of the NSCDC, Sunday Adams Peter said an effective transport system must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of every member of society.
He stressed that no transportation system could be considered effective if sections of the population were unable to access services safely and conveniently, adding that the Corps would continue collaborating with other security agencies and stakeholders to strengthen commuter safety across the FCT.
Also speaking, FRSC representative Blessing Okoro urged the FCT Administration to establish designated motor parks and transport facilities for persons with disabilities to improve accessibility and ease of movement within the city.
She said the provision of such facilities would reduce mobility challenges faced by persons with disabilities while promoting a more inclusive transport system.
One of the coordinators of the initiative and House of Representatives spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi, said the dialogue formed part of efforts by members of the Abuja Chapter of USGEAAN to apply knowledge acquired through United States Government-sponsored exchange programmes to address societal challenges.
According to him, the engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to explore practical solutions to improve safety, security and inclusion within the FCT transportation network.
Rotimi added that persons with disabilities, including members of the deaf and blind communities, shared their experiences navigating Abuja’s transport system, with their contributions forming part of policy recommendations to be presented to relevant authorities.
A representative of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, Dr. Nanriet Emeje, commended the organisers for translating international exchange experiences into practical civic engagement.
She noted that the dialogue’s theme aligns with the Secretariat’s mandate to provide an accessible, safe, affordable, efficient and integrated transportation system across the FCT.
Emeje emphasised that the mobility needs of persons with disabilities should be integrated into transportation planning and implementation from the outset rather than treated as an afterthought.
Participants also called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved transport infrastructure, greater accountability among transport operators and sustained inclusion of persons with disabilities in transportation planning and policy implementation.
The organisers said recommendations from the dialogue would be consolidated into policy proposals for submission to relevant authorities to support the development of a transportation system in Abuja that is safe, secure, accessible and inclusive for all commuters.
