By Sarah NEGEDU
Worried by the increased risk and other traffic hazards motorcycles riders are exposed to, the Federal Capital Territory Administration on Thursday, organised a safety awareness workshop for dispatch riders to ensure safety of their operations on FCT roads.
According to the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services, DRTS, the territory has seen rising cases of accidents involving motorcycles, often resulting from a lack of awareness of road safety regulations.
Speaking at the workshop, the Mandate Secretary FCT Transportation Secretariat, Chinedu Elechi, pointed that the rising cases of accidents involving motorcycles were largely due to the non-compliance to basic traffic laws and high-pressure work conditions.
He therefore charged the dispatch riders to make personal commitment in contributing to safer roads by fostering a culture of professionalism in the delivery sector.
“As the head of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, I am fully aware of the increasing risks faced by delivery riders on our roads. We have seen rising cases of accidents involving motorcycles, often resulting from a lack of awareness of road safety regulations, the non-compliance with basic traffic laws and in some cases, high-pressure work conditions. Today’s workshop is a strategic step in addressing these challenges and equipping the riders with the necessary tools to stay safe, while also fostering a culture of professionalism in the delivery sector.
“This initiative is in alignment with our broader vision for the transportation system in the FCT. Our mission is to ensure that all road users irrespective of the means can navigate our roads safely. The FCT Public Transport Management Scheme, PTMS, was designed to regulate and standardize transport operations, including delivery services, through digital solutions, training, and vehicle certification. We believe that through collaborative efforts like this, we can create a more secure and organized transport system that benefits everyone.”
The Transport Secretary further noted that the exponential growth of delivery services within the FCT is a clear indication of how essential the sector has become to urban economy.
“Whether it is the delivery of food, parcels, or essential goods, riders play an indispensable role in ensuring that businesses thrive and that the needs of residents are met efficiently. However, this vital role also comes with its unique set of challenges, particularly looking at safety of their operations on our roads.”
Director of FCT Department of Road Traffic Services, Dr. Abdullateef Bello, said the workshop had become necessary seeing that the services of delivery motorcycle riders are fast becoming an integral part of our urban mobility ecosystem.
He noted that with the growth of e-commerce and the demand for swift deliveries, riders have been playing critical roles in ensuring that small parcel goods and services are delivered efficiently across the FCT.
“However, we have equally recorded increased risks on our roads, particularly for motorcycle riders who are often exposed to traffic hazards, accidents, and other safety concerns.
“We have also seen in many circumstances from the riders who are on daily basis, taking unnecessary risks and endangering the lives of other people on the roads by not complying with safety rules and regulations.”
“As the theme rightly emphasizes, “Empowering Riders for Safe Delivery Journeys”, It is our responsibility to ensure that delivery motorcycle riders, have the requisite skills, information and support to navigate their daily work in a safe, secure, and responsible manner.
“This workshop is therefore designed not only to raise awareness but also to provide practical tips on road safety, traffic regulations, and defensive riding techniques that will keep riders safe on the roads.”
On her part, the Public Policy Specialist West Africa-Bolt, Ewoma Jerry-Ogeme, said the DRTS has made significant strides with the introduction of the Public Transportation Management Scheme which is guiding the ride hailing sector including the delivery services.
This regulatory reform has led to positive changes in our ecosystem and throughout this process, Bolt has been a proud partner, advocating for regulations that promote operational sustainability and ease of doing business.
Also, the Chairman, Association of Abuja Logistics Operators, Essien Etuk, commended the DRTS for its efforts to educate and empower riders with the knowledge and skills necessary to stay safe on the roads.
He urge his participants to take full advantage of the opportunity of the workshop and implement the learnings in your daily operations.
“As an association, we commit to supporting initiatives that promote road safety and the well-being of our members. Thank you to the Directorate for organizing this workshop and Bolt for their generous support.”
