The Federal Road Safety Corps in Gombe State has issued a fresh warning against underage driving, describing it as illegal and dangerous.
The sector commander, Mr Samson Kaura, gave the warning during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Gombe on Monday.
He said the practice persists despite ongoing public sensitisation.
“Cases of underage driving are still being recorded in the state in spite of our efforts to sensitise residents,” Kaura said, stressing that driving without meeting the age requirement is “wrong and actionable.”
Kaura explained that the FRSC would deepen its engagement with communities and stakeholders across the state to curb the behaviour.
He added that joint patrols with other security agencies had helped reduce violations but more work needed to be done.
“Children have no business with driving, and that is why we keep admonishing parents against giving their children cars,” he said.
He also cautioned tricycle and motorcycle operators, noting that “anyone who lends their keke or motorcycle to an underage rider will have no excuse when we make arrests.”
The FRSC chief warned that offenders will now face prosecution. “Henceforth, any underage driver caught within the state will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he stated.
Kaura emphasised that safe driving requires strong decision-making skills, which children may not yet possess.
He appealed to parents and vehicle owners to stop giving their cars, tricycles or motorcycles to minors or anyone without a valid driver’s licence.
