FRSC Armed Squad: A Necessary Step or a Step Too Far?
FRSC Armed Squad: A Necessary Step or a Step Too Far?
FRSC Armed Squad: A Necessary Step or a Step Too Far?
Ayshatu S Rabo & Jerry Adesewo
The public hearing on the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Establishment Act, held on 11 December 2024 at the NAF Centre, Abuja, was a melting pot of opinions. Chaired by Honourable Deren Adesida, the session welcomed diverse stakeholders, including the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki, who represented the Rt. Honourable Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.The Corps Marshal, Mr. Shehu Mohammed, who presented a compelling case, pointed out the critical need for these amendments.
He emphasised that while the FRSC has been instrumental in reducing road crash fatalities from a staggering annual estimate of 100,000 deaths before its establishment in 1988 to 5,081 recorded in 2023, operational challenges persist. These include jurisdictional disputes and security vulnerabilities that hamper the Corps’ effectiveness.
The Armed Squad Debate A key proposal in the bill is the creation of a special armed unit within the FRSC, which has sparked mixed reactions.
Proponents argue that equipping FRSC operatives to defend themselves and respond to highway threats is essential. Criminal activities, including banditry and kidnapping, frequently target Nigeria’s roads, often confronting unarmed FRSC officers. The Corps Marshal cited alarming statistics of operatives killed or injured while on duty, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures. However, critics question whether arming the FRSC could lead to an overlap with other law enforcement agencies, potentially creating confusion or misuse of authority.
Some Nigerians fear that arming the Corps might divert its primary focus from road safety to security enforcement, complicating its mandate.Jurisdictional Challenges and Legislative Gaps Another contentious issue is the FRSC’s limited jurisdiction, which has led to frequent court cases over its operations on state-managed roads.
The Corps Marshal argued that the current legislative framework does not adequately empower the FRSC to fulfil its mandate. “Crashes do not discriminate between state and federal roads, and neither should the Corps’ intervention,” he argued, adding that amending the Act to clarify its scope, would eliminate these operational ambiguities and strengthen Nigeria’s road safety framework.Retirement Benefits for Senior Officers The amendment also proposes retirement benefits for Deputy Corps Marshals, aligning their entitlements with broader public service standards.
This measure, supporters argue, will motivate personnel and reward dedicated service, enhancing the Corps’ operational morale.Public Reactions and Broader Implications The public hearing witnessed a robust exchange of views, reflecting Nigerians’ deep interest in road safety and security. While many supported the proposed amendments as timely and necessary, others cautioned against potential overlaps with existing agencies.
Critics urged the FRSC to focus on addressing its current inefficiencies, such as delays in rescue operations and enforcement inconsistencies, before taking on additional responsibilities.Looking Ahead As the House of Representatives Committee deliberates the bill, it faces the challenge of balancing the FRSC’s operational needs with concerns about jurisdictional overlaps and the potential misuse of firearms.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: ensuring safer highways requires a holistic approach, combining legislative clarity, operational efficiency, and robust security measures.The question remains: will arming the FRSC and expanding its mandate mark a step forward for road safety in Nigeria, or will it open a new Pandora’s box? Only time will tell.
FRSC Armed Squad: A Necessary Step or a Step Too Far?
