A majority of stakeholders in Nigeria’s road transport sector have expressed support to create a special armed squad for the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC.
The stakeholders, who spoke during a public hearing on a bill to amend the FRSC Act, 2007, urged lawmakers to pass the bill quickly, citing its long-overdue status.
Pioneer Corps Marshal Gen. Baba Hanania (rtd) and other former leaders of the agency expressed support for the bill, citing the need to protect FRSC personnel and property.
However, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (NACTOMORAS) expressed reservations, arguing that arming FRSC personnel could duplicate police functions and lead to abuse.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed emphasized that FRSC operatives have been killed, maimed, and molested by criminals while on rescue missions and that road safety law enforcement agents worldwide are armed for security and safety purposes.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Safety Commission, Abiodun Adesida, said the hearing marks a pivotal moment in repositioning the FRSC, citing the need for stricter penalties for road offenses to protect FRSC personnel.
Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji
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