'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed has initiated an extensive capacity-building program across the Corps in a bold move to secure the future of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and enhance the professional capabilities of its personnel. This initiative has already seen the training of 1,646 personnel, with the graduation of 20 officers from the prestigious FRSC Command and Staff College in Udi, Enugu State.
The comprehensive training program, launched in response to the growing complexities of road safety management and traffic administration, aims to equip FRSC personnel with cutting-edge skills and knowledge. The Corps Marshal’s focus is to ensure that the FRSC remains at the forefront of road safety efforts in Nigeria, adapting to evolving challenges and maintaining high standards of professionalism and civility in their interactions with the motoring public.
According to a statement released by the FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the training initiative is a major pillar of Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed’s policy thrust since assuming office in May 2024. The training program encompasses a wide range of personnel, including 341 Unit Commanders, 415 Road Marshal Assistants, 700 Drivers, 90 Monitoring and Evaluation Officers, and 100 Junior Officers across the Corps' training schools nationwide. While some of these training sessions have already concluded, others are ongoing, underscoring the program’s comprehensive and continuous nature.
One of the significant milestones of this initiative is the successful graduation of 20 Superintendent Route Commanders from the Junior Staff Course at the FRSC Command and Staff College in Udi. These officers were awarded the Pass Junior Staff College (pjsc) certificates, marking a key achievement in their professional development.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Udi, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed highlighted the importance of the capacity-building program in empowering FRSC staff with the latest skills and best practices in road safety management. "By investing in our personnel, we are investing in the future of road safety in Nigeria," he stated, emphasizing that the Corps is committed to remaining a leading agency in road safety through continuous professional development.
The Corps Marshal's initiative is part of a broader strategy to position the FRSC as a modern, forward-thinking organization capable of addressing the complex challenges of road safety in the 21st century. The various training programs include a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, workshops, and mentoring, all conducted by a mix of in-house and international experts. These sessions cover critical areas such as traffic enforcement and management, road safety education and advocacy, data analysis and research, leadership and management development, and digital literacy and technology adoption.
The program’s launch across all FRSC training institutions nationwide reflects a comprehensive approach to capacity development, ensuring that all personnel, regardless of their rank or role, receive the training needed to excel in their duties. This initiative underscores Corps Marshal Mohammed’s vision of an FRSC that is not only responsive to the current demands of road safety but also anticipates future challenges and adapts accordingly.
The statement signed by Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide concluded by reaffirming the FRSC's commitment to excellence in road safety management and the ongoing professional development of its personnel as a cornerstone of its strategic objectives.
As the FRSC continues to roll out these training programs, it is expected that the Corps will further enhance its effectiveness in reducing road accidents, improving traffic management, and ensuring the safety of all road users in Nigeria.