The Zamfara chapter of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria has called for a joint task force committee to tackle the menace of “mixed loading” by drivers.

Mixed loading refers to the dangerous practice of combining different cargo types, like passengers, animals, and general goods or even fuel, in a single vehicle.

The Federal Road Safety Corps identified the practice as a critical challenge resulting in high casualties.

Speaking in Gusau on Monday, the AUFCON chairman in Zamfara, Aminu Garba, said the practice constitutes a grave threat to life.

“The issue of mixed loading is really our concern, and we are fighting the menace; however, we alone cannot find a lasting solution to the problem.

“What I consider as a remedy to tackle this challenge is that the FRSC, as a leading road traffic agency, should establish a joint taskforce committee that comprises all stakeholders and take a special patrol for sensitisation and enforcement,” he said

According to him, bringing these stakeholders together would address the challenges, as each stakeholder can choose to deal with peculiar aspects.

He acknowledged calls by the state’s FRSC command to form a task force committee on road traffic, adding that AUFCON is ready to support the idea.

The chairman also underscored the need for collaboration with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, the Zamfara Road Traffic Agency, and the FRSC, to curb the practice.

Also speaking, the FRSC sector commander, Aliyu Maaji, described mixed loading as a matter of serious concern, adding that it records the highest death toll in auto crashes.

Mr Maaji said the corps is intensifying community engagement to enlighten the public, adding that plans are also underway to establish a task force on compliance.

(NAN)