By George Ozalla
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, on Thursday said equipping road safety operatives with arms may be necessary to enforce traffic regulations effectively on Nigeria’s highways, arguing that officers currently face overwhelming risks when confronting heavy-duty vehicles.
Speaking on ARISE News, Mohammed painted a stark picture of the challenges on the roads, asking how a small patrol team could stop overloaded trailers and tankers — sometimes carrying passengers and animals on their roofs — with just four personnel on duty. He said that without adequate “power of cohesion” enforcement becomes nearly impossible.
Addressing public concern about corruption within the corps, the marshal acknowledged the existence of bribery and extortion by some operatives but said the FRSC has been firmer than many agencies in sanctioning erring officers, citing records of terminations and dismissals.
Mohammed also moved to clarify complaints about driver’s licence charges, saying official fees remain unchanged — ₦15,000 for three years and ₦21,000 for five years — and apologised for difficulties in processing licences. He promised an overhaul of the system and said Nigerians would see an enhanced driver’s licence service and more efficient delivery in the coming weeks.
The Federal Road Safety Corps was established in 1988 to ensure safety on Nigerian roads, regulate traffic, and reduce accidents. Despite its efforts, the country continues to record alarming figures. This year alone, the FRSC has reported over 6,000 road crashes nationwide, with thousands of lives lost and many more injured, indicating the urgent need for stronger enforcement measures.
