The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed says arming road safety operatives may be the only way to enforce traffic laws effectively on Nigerian highways.
Appearing on Arise News on Thursday, Mohammad painted a vivid picture of the difficulties his men face when trying to stop heavy-duty vehicles.
“How do you stop a trailer or a tanker on the road? How do you just do that? It’s very, very difficult. A truck, especially a truck with probably 100 passengers on top, with animals, and you only have four personnel as a team on patrol, and trying to stop a trailer, how do you do that?” he said.
The FRSC boss argued that without adequate “power of cohesion,” enforcement is nearly impossible.
“It will support. If you don’t have the power to enforce anything, there’s no way you can achieve that enforcement,” he said, when asked if arms would help.
Mohammad also addressed allegations of bribery and extortion by some operatives, which often trend on social media.
He admitted the challenge exists but stressed that the Corps has been stricter than most agencies in punishing offenders.
“We have more record of termination and dismissal of our personnel because of bribe and corruption,” he explained, adding that the FRSC has a standing standard operating procedure to check misconduct.
The Marshal moved to clear the air on driver’s licence fees, following public complaints that officials were charging more than the official rate.
“For three years, it’s ₦15,000. For five years, it’s ₦21,000. It’s still the same figure, the same amount,” he said.
Mohammad apologised to Nigerians for the stress of getting licences processed, promising that a new and improved system would be ready soon.
“In the first and second week of October, they will see an enhanced driver’s licence and a successful and efficient service delivery,” he assured.
The idea of arming FRSC personnel is not new. In October 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill at second reading to establish an Armed Road Safety Corps; a specialised squad under the FRSC with powers to carry weapons and enforce road laws more robustly.
The proposal reflects mounting concern over flagrant traffic violations, road massacre incidents, and the challenges of enforcing on Nigeria’s highways.
Proponents argue that a better equipped, armed road-safety unit could check reckless driving, especially on major highways.
Opponents warn of potential abuse, extortion, intimidation, and further militarisation of road policing.
Nigerians however, have continued to oppose a bill before the National Assembly seeking to establish an armed road safety squad.
An October 2024 PUNCH Online report showed that over 90 per cent of respondents in a public poll rejected the proposal, with transport unions and civic groups warning that arming road safety officials could lead to abuse.
For now, Mohammad insists the Corps will keep pushing for tools that make its job easier.
“Road safety will continue to deliver its mandate as enshrined in the FRSC Act,” he said.
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