The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has said arming road safety personnel may be the only way to enforce traffic laws effectively on Nigerian highways.
Speaking on Arise News on Thursday, Mohammed highlighted the difficulties operatives face when attempting to stop heavy-duty vehicles with limited manpower.
“How do you stop a trailer or a tanker on the road? A truck, especially a truck with probably 100 passengers on top, with animals, and you only have four personnel as a team on patrol—how do you do that?” he asked.
The FRSC boss argued that enforcement would remain weak without adequate “power of cohesion,” adding that arming officers could provide that capacity.
Mohammed also addressed bribery and extortion allegations, admitting that misconduct exists but stressing that the Corps has been proactive in punishing erring officers. “We have more record of termination and dismissal of our personnel because of bribe and corruption,” he said.
On driver’s licence fees, he clarified that the official rates remain ₦15,000 for three years and ₦21,000 for five years, apologising for the stress of processing. He promised that an improved system will be unveiled by mid-October.
The debate over arming FRSC officials is not new. In October 2024, the House of Representatives passed a bill at second reading to establish an Armed Road Safety Corps, sparking heated debate. While supporters believe it would improve enforcement on highways, critics warn it could lead to abuse, intimidation, and militarisation of road policing.
Despite strong public opposition—over 90 per cent of respondents in a PUNCH Online poll rejected the idea—Mohammed insists the Corps will continue to seek 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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