By Ralph Etim
The Akwa Ibom State government is faced with a pressing challenge that demands immediate attention, as the Compliance Unit, established by the state’s Ministry of Transport to maintain sanity, safety, and orderliness on our roads, has been marred by controversy. Allegations of intimidation, harassment, and extortion have plagued the unit, there by eroding public trust.
A closer look at this worrisome situation, reveals that many of these officers lack the basic knowledge of road ethics, traffic rules, and the road structures which by mandate they are to supervise.
This inefficiency is compounded largely by a lot of noticable unprofessional behaviors, and indeed damaging the Ministry’s reputation. Inorder to address this sad scenarios, it’s pertinent that the ministry of transport in the state must undertake a comprehensive training and reorientation session for all its traffic compliance officers.
This initiative should be designed in such a way that it equip officers with the necessary or basic knowledge, skills, and attitude to effectively discharge their duties without posing any harm to members of the public.
Regular training and retraining programs are also crucial to keep officers updated on traffic rules, road safety protocols, and communication skills. Furthermore, a monitoring team should be established to check excesses and corruption among taskforce members. This will help prevent abuse of power and ensure accountability.
In a related vein, dispatch riders also pose a significant threat to state security and public safety. Operating without licenses, and as such many dispatch services have become conduits for illicit activities such as drug peddling, arms trafficking, human parts trade, and other contrabands.
To mitigate this, the transport ministry must regulate dispatch services, ensuring registration and background checks for all delivery service riders. This will prevent misuse of the trade for illicit activities and promote accountability. The stakes are high, but the state government must be ready to act decisively in both directions by reforming the traffic Compliance Unit and regulate dispatch riders demonstrating its mutual commitment to the well-being of Akwa Ibom people.
By effectively regulating dispatch services, the government can prevent abuse while promoting economic activity. This will require bold steps, but the payoff will be worth it. A safer and more secure transport system is within reach, but requires urgent attention.
The Ministry of Transport must take the lead in driving these meaningful reforms and ensuring that the established Compliance Unit and dispatch riders operate in a more responsible manner.
As government must prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens. By taking a decisive action to reform the Compliance Unit and regulate dispatch riders, it can demonstrate its commitment to this goal.
Summarily, the government must act now to address the challenges facing the transport sector. By reforming the Compliance Unit and regulating dispatch riders, it is essential to create a safer, more secure environment for citizens. The fate of the state’s transport system hangs in the balance.By working together, the government and the citizens as a whole can formidably build a transport system that is safe and reliable. The time for action is now, a second maybe too late.