Former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, has called for stricter enforcement of drug and alcohol testing for commercial drivers after witnessing what he described as a disturbing incident during an evening run in Abuja.
In a statement shared on social media, Chidoka recounted seeing a tricycle (Keke) parked on a quiet, tree-lined road. Initially believing the vehicle had developed a fault, he later returned along the same route after nearly two hours and found the driver allegedly smoking what he identified as marijuana.
According to Chidoka, the smell of marijuana and a cloud of smoke filled the area as he ran past, while the driver remained seated inside the vehicle with what appeared to be a small green bottle beside him.
He expressed concern that the driver could later return to work and unknowingly transport passengers while allegedly under the influence of drugs, putting lives at risk.
Chidoka also noted that the vehicle’s rear metal grill partially covered its licence plate, making identification difficult and potentially hindering law enforcement.
Reflecting on his time as FRSC Corps Marshal, Chidoka said he introduced mandatory blood alcohol and drug testing for commercial drivers as part of driver’s licence reforms, stressing that a commercial driver’s fitness is a matter of public safety rather than personal choice. However, he lamented that implementation of the policy has remained weak.
He urged the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), local governments, and transport regulators across Nigeria to introduce routine and random drug and alcohol tests for commercial drivers, similar to practices in many other countries.
Chidoka further argued that fitness-for-duty standards should also apply to other professions entrusted with public safety, including private security personnel.
According to him, effective governance goes beyond building roads and infrastructure, extending to the regulation of everyday services that keep citizens safe.
He concluded that a city cannot claim to have fulfilled the promise of good governance if it cannot guarantee that those transporting the public are fit and sober to drive.