By Abdullahi Inuwa
…Says Road Crashes as Dangerous as Insecurity, Seeks More Emergency Units, Awareness
The newly posted Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Katsina State, Corps Commander Maxwell Kaltungo Lede, has praised the state’s hospitality and peaceful atmosphere, vowing to intensify road safety efforts and reduce traffic-related deaths.
In an exclusive interview shortly after assuming duty, Lede, who hails from Gombe State and has served in major flashpoints including Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the FCT, described Katsina as “far more welcoming and safer than portrayed online.”
“I was overwhelmed by the kindness and warmth shown to me here. Katsina is not what social media suggests—it’s a state deeply rooted in peace and development,” he said.
Bold Plan for Safer Roads
Outlining a robust action plan, Commander Lede announced plans to strengthen FRSC operations across all 34 local government areas. He emphasized the need for public education campaigns in markets, worship centres, and community town halls, aimed at empowering residents to become safety ambassadors.
“We must make road safety a community effort. Sensitisation is key,” he stressed.
He revealed that blackspot mapping and road infrastructure assessments are underway, with findings to be forwarded to the state government for targeted intervention.
Push for More Units, Quicker Emergency Response
Currently, Katsina operates with only five FRSC unit commands—a figure Lede insists is insufficient.
“Lives are lost simply because help doesn’t arrive on time. We need more units and outposts—period,” he declared.
He also vowed to partner with Federal Medical Centre Katsina to activate the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), a federal initiative offering free emergency treatment within the first 24 hours of a crash.
Call for Advisory Council, Multi-Agency Synergy
Lede is also pushing for the creation of a State Road Safety Advisory Council, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3.6 to halve road deaths by 2030.
“We will work hand-in-hand with the police, NSCDC, military, and local agencies to ensure collective impact,” he added.
“Road Crashes Kill Quietly”
In a sobering message, the FRSC boss warned that road crashes are an underrated national crisis.
“Every day, lives are lost not just to bullets but to preventable accidents. It’s time we treat road safety with the same urgency as insecurity,” he said.
Commander Lede concluded by expressing hope that Katsina will become a model for road safety in Nigeria, given the government’s support and the people’s willingness to embrace change.
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