Kamilu Lawal, Katsina
The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has stepped up efforts to strengthen road safety awareness and promote safer transportation across rural communities in Nigeria through a series of capacity-building and public enlightenment programmes.
The initiative is aimed at improving road safety standards along project corridors through training on Road Safety Design and Audit Manuals, the introduction of road safety education in schools, and the establishment of designated “School Safe Zones” to protect schoolchildren and other vulnerable road users.
Speaking at a road safety workshop organised under the programme in Katsina State, the representative of the National RAAMP Coordinator, Mr. Ekum Ojogu, commended the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), state RAAMP offices and other stakeholders for their contributions towards advancing road safety awareness in communities benefiting from the project.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among relevant agencies and community stakeholders in reducing road crashes and ensuring safer road environments across project areas nationwide.
According to him, road safety remains a critical component of RAAMP’s mandate to improve rural accessibility and agricultural marketing infrastructure while safeguarding the lives and property of road users.
The Katsina State Project Coordinator of RAAMP, State Project Implementation Unit, SPIU, Engr. Yusuf Yahaya, said the programme was designed to complement investments in rural road infrastructure by promoting compliance with traffic regulations and encouraging responsible road-use practices.
He noted that sustained public awareness and community participation would play a vital role in reducing accidents and enhancing the safety of roads constructed or rehabilitated under the project.
Also speaking, the Katsina State Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmad, described the workshop as timely, especially during the rainy season when road users often face increased safety risks.
He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained and share it within their respective communities to help foster a culture of road safety.
In a technical presentation, the Road Safety Consultant, from the Federal Project Management Unit, FPMU, Engr. Okwudili N. Ikejiani, highlighted key road traffic regulations, safe driving practices and the responsibilities of motorists in protecting lives and property.
He emphasised that strict adherence to traffic laws remains essential for reducing road crashes and ensuring the safety of all categories of road users.
The road safety campaign forms part of RAAMP’s broader commitment to ensuring that investments in rural road infrastructure are supported by effective safety measures, public education and community engagement, thereby promoting safer, more efficient and sustainable transportation systems in rural communities across Nigeria.
