By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
The newly appointed Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Katsina State, Commander Maxwell Kaltungo Lede, has pledged to overhaul the agency’s approach to road safety management in a bid to reduce road accidents and save lives across the state.
Speaking exclusively to Katsina Times on Monday, 12 May 2025, Commander Lede, a native of Gombe State, revealed that he arrived in Katsina only five days ago to assume his new role. Despite being new to the state, he expressed satisfaction with the warm reception and peaceful atmosphere he encountered.
“Katsina is a hospitable and peaceful state, contrary to the negative narratives circulating on social media. I have experienced calmness and commend the state government’s commitment to infrastructural development, particularly in road construction,” he stated.
Commander Lede praised the Katsina State Government’s dedication to public welfare, especially through the provision of essential infrastructure and efforts to secure lives on the highways.
Outlining his vision, the new commander said he intends to intensify public awareness campaigns on responsible road usage and strict adherence to traffic regulations. He said the FRSC will engage with residents in markets, places of worship, and public gatherings, in collaboration with the media, to drive home the message.
Additionally, Commander Lede announced plans to launch a state-wide survey across the 34 local government areas of Katsina to identify accident-prone areas, commonly referred to as black spots. The findings, he said, will be submitted to the state government for necessary intervention.
“At present, FRSC operates only five offices across Katsina, which is insufficient considering the state’s size and population. We need more offices and operational bases to ensure swift emergency response during accidents,” he noted.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Commander Lede called for stronger ties with other security agencies to enhance road safety. He pledged to initiate partnerships with both government institutions and private stakeholders to establish a state-owned traffic management agency in Katsina.
Regarding post-crash emergency care, Lede highlighted the Federal Government's National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), which provides free medical care to accident victims within the first 24 hours. He promised to work with health facility heads across Katsina to ensure the program benefits residents of the state.
In conclusion, Commander Lede appealed to the Katsina State Government to support the formation of a State Road Safety Advisory Council. The council would bring together government officials, private sector stakeholders, and community leaders to tackle road safety challenges collaboratively. He noted that several other states have already established similar councils and expressed confidence that Katsina would follow suit.
“Road crashes claim more lives than many realize. The best solution is collective action,” Lede said. “I am confident in the foresight and commitment of His Excellency Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda. Once we present our proposal, I believe it will be approved without delay.”
