by Akan Ido

Henceforth, commercial drivers with medical conditions will not be issued drivers’ licences according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

This was disclosed at the launch of a new commercial drivers’ licence which, according to the FRSC Corps Marshall, Osita Chidoka, will contain additional security features, intelligence camera and biometrics that will mandate a medical certification for all commercial drivers before issuance.

The new license will be issued to commercial drivers after verification of medical certificates on hearing and eyesight, hypertension and blood sugar level among other requirements are done.

Chidoka reportedly said the old licences will be phased out by September 2013 but the issuance of new licences will commence immediately.

Najeem Yasin, the president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Special Assistant to the Minister of Transport, Dikko Bala who were present at the occasion welcomed the initiative.

The new drivers’ licence, with security features is expected to ultimately reduce the rate of commercial vehicles accident in the country.