•Shehu Mohammed
Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has said arming personnel may be the only way to effectively enforce traffic regulations on Nigerian highways.
Speaking on ARISE TV today, Mohammed described the enormous risks road safety operatives face, especially when confronting heavy-duty vehicles.
He questioned how a small patrol team could stop overloaded trailers and tankers that often carry both goods and dozens of passengers.
“How do you stop a trailer or a tanker on the road? It is very difficult. A truck, especially one with up to 100 passengers on top with animals, and you only have four personnel on patrol, how do you stop that?” he asked.
The FRSC chief maintained that without what he called “power of cohesion,” enforcement of traffic laws becomes nearly impossible.
“If you don’t have the power to enforce anything, there is no way you can achieve that enforcement,” he insisted when asked if arming the agency is the way forward.
On the allegation of bribery and extortion involving some operatives, Mohammed admitted the problem exists but said the FRSC has been firmer than many other agencies in sanctioning erring officers.
He said, “We have more records of termination and dismissal of our personnel because of bribes and corruption” adding that the Corps operates with a strict standard procedure to check misconduct.
On complaints about driver’s licence charges, Mohammed clarified that the official fees remain unchanged.
“For three years, it is ₦15,000. For five years, it is ₦21,000. It is still the same figure, the same amount,” he said.
He apologised to Nigerians over difficulties in processing licences and promised an overhaul of the system.
“In the first and second week of October, they will see an enhanced driver’s licence and a more efficient service delivery,” he assured.
