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SENATOR NWOKO PROPOSES BILL TO BAN DAYTIME MOVEMENT OF HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has introduced a bill seeking to ban the daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles across Nigeria. The proposed law, presented during plenary on Tuesday, February 11, aims to reduce road accidents, ease traffic congestion, and enhance public safety. Statistics have revealed that between 2015 and 2018, articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers were linked to 3,200 deaths and over ₦39 billion in economic losses. Senator Nwoko emphasized that preventable crashes must not continue, stressing that restricting these vehicles to midnight – 6:00 am will save lives and prevent economic disruptions. In addition to the bill, Nwoko is advocating for the creation of Truck Transit Parks, designated rest areas where truck drivers can park safely, get proper rest, and reduce fatigue-induced crashes. These facilities, he explains, will help curb reckless driving, road obstructions, and indiscriminate parking, which often lead to fatal accidents. Senator Nwoko stated, “It’s time to take decisive action to protect our communities and save lives.” He urged public and legislative support for the bill, emphasizing that it is a crucial step towards ensuring road safety and preventing unnecessary losses. In a related development, Senator Nwoko’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) has been attributed to years of deliberate sabotage and exclusion within the Delta State PDP. According to his Media Assistant, Juliet Ify Ugah, Nwoko’s decision to defect was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to deliver real development to Delta North.

SENATE TAKES ACTION AGAINST CRUDE OIL THEFT, APPOINTS NWOKO AS COMMITTEE CHAIR

In a bid to tackle the menace of crude oil theft in Nigeria, the Senate has established an ad hoc committee to investigate the issue. Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has been appointed as the chairman of the committee. The committee’s formation is a direct response to a motion sponsored by Senator Nwoko in July 2023, which highlighted the need to investigate the incessant and nefarious acts of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. The motion also sought to identify the actors involved in the theft. As part of its mandate, the committee will investigate the involvement of security forces, militia groups, local communities, and oil company employees in crude oil theft. The committee will also recommend measures to enhance surveillance and safeguard oil installations. In a related development, the Senate has begun considering a bill that seeks to restrict the movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers during daytime hours nationwide. The proposed legislation aims to reduce the risk of accidents and improve road safety. If passed into law, the bill will prohibit the movement of these vehicles between 6:00 am and 12:00 midnight, except in emergency situations. The restriction is expected to reduce congestion on the roads and minimize the risk of accidents.