The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has vowed to enforce regulations against overloading and mixed loading, with appropriate punishment for offenders in line with the law.

Mr Mohammed said this at a mega motor park rally with the theme “Overloading and mIxloading: A Dangerous Trend to Avoid” on Thursday in Abuja.

The motor rally was jointly organised by the FRSC and African Gem, a herbal health drink crafted to support digestion and overall wellness.

Mr Mohammed, who was represented by Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), Operations, Godwin Omiko, said the theme was not merely a campaign slogan.

He said it was a call for a fundamental change in attitude, practice and responsibility across Nigeria’s transport sector.

“Let me begin with a fundamental question: What is the value of a human life, and can any amount of additional profit justify putting it at risk? The answer is obvious.

“No commercial gain is worth a human life. Yet, the persistent practice of overloading and unsafe mix-loading on our roads suggests that this simple truth is sometimes forgotten in the pursuit of profit.

“We are gathered here today at Nyanya Central Terminal Motor Park to confront this dangerous trend, promote responsible transportation and reaffirm a principle that must guide every road user: safety must never be sacrificed for profit.

“Ladies and gentlemen, overloading occurs when a vehicle carries passengers or cargo beyond its permitted capacity.

“It places excessive strain on tyres, brakes and suspension systems, compromises vehicle stability, increases stopping distances and raises the risk of tyre failure, loss of control and road traffic crashes,” he said.

Mr Mohammed said the Corps would continue to enforce applicable regulations and hold offenders accountable in accordance with the law.

According to him, the objective was not merely to record offences but to secure compliance, prevent avoidable crashes and save lives.

“We want every truck to carry a lawful load, every commercial bus to respect its approved passenger capacity, and every consignment to be properly arranged and secured.

“Our ambition is to make safe loading a standard practice across Nigeria’s transport sector, not an occasional response to the presence of enforcement officers,” he said.

Mr Mohammed emphasised that mix-loading also presented serious risks, particularly when incompatible or hazardous materials were transported together, cargo was improperly arranged, or loads were inadequately secured.

He said the fact that a vehicle could move did not mean it was safe to move, adding that an overloaded truck might leave a loading bay without difficulty.

“But when an emergency arises, its compromised braking capacity and stability can turn it into a deadly weapon.

“Similarly, an overcrowded commercial bus exposes passengers to avoidable danger and can worsen the consequences of a crash.

“On this note, the corps remains committed to reducing road traffic crashes through sustained public education, stakeholder collaboration and effective enforcement of applicable traffic regulations.

“Our responsibility goes beyond apprehending offenders. We seek to prevent crashes before they occur by encouraging road users to make safer decisions.

“This explains why we are engaging drivers, transport unions, loading officials, cargo owners and other stakeholders directly at this motor park.

“We recognise that the fight against overloading must begin where loading decisions are made.

“Let me make this clear: public enlightenment is not a substitute for enforcement, and our preference for voluntary compliance must not be mistaken for tolerance of unsafe practices.”

The FRSC boss urged commercial drivers not to allow pressure from vehicle owners, cargo merchants or daily revenue targets to compromise their safety and that of other road users.

Mr Mohammed appealed to them to have the courage to reject any load that exceeded their vehicle’s permitted capacity or could not be transported safely.

“To transport unions and motor park executives, your leadership is critical. Make safety a condition of doing business in your parks. Discourage overloading, promote responsible loading practices and support drivers who insist on compliance.

“To cargo owners and fleet operators, your responsibility does not end when goods are handed over to a driver.

“Ensure that the appropriate vehicle is provided, weight limits are respected, incompatible goods are not improperly combined, and every load is adequately secured.

“To passengers, never compromise your life for convenience. Refuse to board an overloaded or visibly unsafe vehicle.

“Every stakeholder in the transportation chain has a responsibility for road safety. Nobody should profit from a practice that places innocent lives in danger,” he said.

Stakeholders in the transport industry, including leaders and members of transport unions, commercial drivers, fleet operators, cargo owners and members of the press, were present at the motor park rally. 

(NAN)