NASS News Team Meets FRSC Corps Marshal: Examining Road Safety Challenges and Innovations

NASS News Team Meets FRSC Corps Marshal: Examining Road Safety Challenges and Innovations

.. The Growing Challenge of Road Traffic Crashes

… The Proposed Bill on the Use of Arms by FRSC

…Innovations in Road Safety

…Funding and Logistical Challenges

In a continued effort to foster dialogue on critical national matters, the NASS News team, led by its Bureau Chief, Prince Adeboye Omoboye, embarked on a significant visit to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) headquarters in Abuja. This high-profile engagement centered on addressing pressing issues such as the proposed bill seeking to permit the FRSC to carry arms, innovative technological advancements to reduce road crashes, and the need for enhanced funding and logistical support from the government.

The meeting opened with the Corps Marshal providing an in-depth review of the FRSC’s current activities, successes, and challenges in tackling road traffic incidents across the country. He began by painting a sobering picture of the state of road safety in Nigeria. “Road traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death globally, and in Nigeria, they are the number one killer of young people,” the Corps Marshal stated. He revealed that in November alone, the FRSC recorded 430 deaths from road crashes across the country, a figure that surpasses fatalities from many other causes, including insecurity.

The Growing Challenge of Road Traffic Crashes

Despite achieving a 12.8% reduction in road crashes from January to October 2024, the Corps Marshal lamented the 4.3% increase in fatalities during the same period. He explained, “One crash can result in multiple deaths, and this has been a major challenge for us. While we are succeeding in reducing crashes, the fatalities often remain high due to the severity of the incidents.”

This grim reality underscores the importance of the FRSC’s annual “Zero Operation” campaign, which focuses on reducing crashes during the festive season. The theme for this year’s campaign, “Speak Out Against Dangerous Driving,” is directed at empowering passengers to take an active role in ensuring their safety.

“Crashes kill more passengers than drivers. Passengers must speak up when drivers engage in reckless or dangerous behaviors,” the Corps Marshal emphasized. He noted that the strategy for the 2024 campaign includes extensive enlightenment programs in motor parks, communities, and schools, with a focus on equipping passengers with the confidence to hold drivers accountable.

The Proposed Bill on the Use of Arms by FRSC

A pivotal point of discussion was the proposed amendment to the FRSC Establishment Act, which seeks to allow officers to carry arms. Currently, the FRSC does not have this mandate, leaving its operatives vulnerable to attacks in high-risk areas.

The Corps Marshal clarified that the intent of the bill is not to militarize the FRSC but to protect officers who face increasing threats in the line of duty. “Our goal is to safeguard our personnel, not to intimidate road users. We have witnessed instances where our officers were attacked while enforcing traffic laws. The provision of arms would be strictly regulated and used solely for self-defense,” he explained.

Prince Adeboye Omoboye, in his remarks, commended the FRSC’s efforts to maintain professionalism while navigating these challenges. He assured the Corps Marshal of NASS News’ commitment to ensuring balanced public discourse on the matter. “This bill is critical and deserves a nuanced discussion. The public must understand the rationale behind it, and the media has a responsibility to facilitate that understanding,” he said.

Innovations in Road Safety

To tackle road traffic incidents more effectively, the FRSC has also embraced technological innovations. One notable development is the creation of a mobile app that enhances road safety monitoring. This app, which is currently undergoing testing, offers features such as real-time speed limit monitoring, alerts for speed bumps, and notifications for sharp bends or hazardous road conditions.

“Technology is at the core of our strategy to create safer roads,” the Corps Marshal said. “The app empowers drivers with information that can help them make better decisions while on the road. It is our hope that with proper funding, this app can be made available to all road users in the near future. ”

Funding and Logistical Challenges

The Corps Marshal also highlighted the FRSC’s urgent need for increased government funding and logistical support. He pointed out that while road traffic crashes claim more lives than many other issues, the funding allocated to road safety management does not reflect its critical importance.

“Without adequate funding, our ability to deploy modern technology, train personnel, and maintain operational vehicles is severely limited. We need the government to prioritize road safety because every life lost to a crash is a loss to the nation’s economy,” he stressed.

Strengthening Internal Operations

The FRSC has implemented measures to ensure its staff adheres to the organization’s mission of reducing road crashes. With 37 sector commands, zonal commands, and over 300 unit commands nationwide, the Corps has established a robust structure for monitoring and evaluating its operations.

Additionally, the Corps Marshal revealed that significant investments have been made in staff training and welfare. “Training and retraining are essential for performance. We have intensified these efforts and also improved welfare by ensuring timely promotions and addressing staff needs promptly,” he said.

A Shared Vision for Road Safety

The visit concluded on a high note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to fostering a safer Nigeria. Prince Omoboye praised the FRSC’s relentless efforts, stating, “The FRSC is not just a road safety agency; it is a lifesaver for millions of Nigerians. NASS News remains committed to highlighting your achievements and advocating for the resources you need to fulfill your mandate.”

This engagement underscored the importance of collaboration between the media and institutions like the FRSC in addressing Nigeria’s road safety challenges. By combining policy reforms, technological advancements, and public awareness, the vision of a safer and more secure road transport system can become a reality.