FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed proposes limited arms for officers to boost highway traffic law enforcement.
He highlights dangers faced stopping heavy-duty vehicles and promises faster driver’s license processing from October.
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has suggested that giving road safety officers limited arms may be necessary to improve the enforcement of traffic laws on Nigerian highways.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, Mohammed said his officers face serious risks when trying to stop heavy-duty vehicles, making enforcement increasingly difficult without stronger authority.
He explained that it is dangerous and often impractical for a small patrol team to stop trailers or tankers carrying passengers, animals, or heavy loads. According to him, without some form of enhanced power, enforcement on major roads will remain weak and unsafe for his personnel.
Mohammed also acknowledged public concerns about corruption within the corps but said the FRSC has one of the strictest disciplinary systems in Nigeria. He noted that more officers in the agency have been dismissed or terminated for bribery and misconduct than in most comparable institutions, underscoring ongoing efforts to keep the corps accountable.
He further clarified the official driver’s license fees, stating that the rates remain ₦15,000 for three years and ₦21,000 for five years. He apologized for the recent delays in processing licenses and assured Nigerians that an upgraded, faster system would be introduced in October.
The issue of arming FRSC personnel is not new. In October 2024, the House of Representatives debated a bill seeking to establish a specialized Armed Road Safety Corps unit. Supporters argue such a unit would strengthen law enforcement on highways, while critics fear it could lead to intimidation, abuse of power, and the militarization of road policing.
Despite the controversy, Mohammed said the corps would continue to push for tools that improve its capacity to keep Nigerian roads safe and fulfil its mandate under the FRSC Act.
