'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – As the curtain closes on 2024, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has lauded the dedication of FRSC staff in ensuring safer roads across Nigeria. He attributed the Corps' achievements during the year to their unwavering commitment and called for enhanced collaboration with stakeholders to sustain the fight against road traffic crashes.
In his New Year message, Corps Marshal Shehu highlighted the high level of performance exhibited by FRSC personnel and assured them of the management's resolve to introduce welfare policies aimed at boosting morale and enhancing productivity. He expressed optimism for a prosperous 2025 while urging staff and Nigerians to unite in confronting road safety challenges with renewed vigor.
The Corps Marshal extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his logistical and moral support, which he credited for enabling the Corps' successes in 2024. He emphasized that road safety is a collective responsibility and called on stakeholders to strengthen their support for the FRSC’s initiatives.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility that no single organization or individual can handle alone," he remarked, underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving safer roads nationwide.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the year, Shehu Mohammed cited incidents of fatal crashes, non-compliance with traffic regulations, and violence against FRSC personnel. He reaffirmed his commitment to addressing these issues, particularly by intensifying public awareness campaigns and enforcing stricter adherence to traffic laws.
"Road traffic crashes don't just happen; they are caused and can be prevented. This year, we intensified our public enlightenment efforts through town hall meetings and encouraged passengers to speak out against unsafe driving practices," he noted.
Additionally, he urged FRSC operatives to maintain a civil approach to traffic management despite provocations, pledging that misconduct by road users or aggression toward Corps personnel would not be tolerated in the new year.
The Corps Marshal assured Nigerians of the FRSC’s commitment to heightened vigilance on the nation’s highways and an improved motoring experience in 2025. He expressed hopes for a year of greater prosperity and safety for all road users.
In closing, Shehu Mohammed reiterated his call for collective efforts to curb road traffic crashes, stating, "Together, we can create a safer road environment for all."
As Nigeria enters 2025, the FRSC remains steadfast in its mission to promote road safety, backed by a motivated workforce, government support, and strategic partnerships with stakeholders. The Corps Marshal’s message underscores the need for a unified approach to overcoming road traffic challenges and safeguarding lives on the nation’s highways.