The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has emphasized the importance of discipline, integrity, emotional intelligence, and professionalism for frontline marshals. He made this statement during a two-day capacity-building programme for frontline marshals under the RS10, Sokoto Sector Command. Mohammed, represented by Zonal Corps Marshal ACM Fredrick Ogidan, highlighted that frontline marshals are the most visible representatives of the Corps and their conduct significantly influences public perception.
Mohammed stressed that the impression formed by the public about the FRSC is often influenced by direct encounters with personnel on the road. He urged marshals to ensure their conduct, communication, appearance, and manner of enforcement reflect the standards expected of a professional road safety organization. The Corps Marshal noted that their responsibilities go beyond traffic control and apprehension of offenders, including identifying hazards, assessing changing traffic situations, managing emerging risks, and responding to emergencies.
The Corps Marshal emphasized that discipline must remain non-negotiable, as the FRSC uniform carries the authority of the government. He urged marshals to protect the reputation of the Corps through personal discipline, integrity, courtesy, and respect for the public. Mohammed also highlighted the importance of fairness and emotional intelligence in traffic enforcement, warning against unnecessary confrontation with road users.
The Sokoto Sector Commander, Corps Commander Adamu Umar Argungu, noted that the programme was necessary due to the changing nature of the road safety environment. He identified increasing traffic volumes, distracted driving, vehicle overloading, road infrastructure deficiencies, and technological developments as some of the challenges confronting road safety operations. Argungu urged participants to update their knowledge and improve their operational skills.
Argungu reminded the marshals that their duties extend beyond enforcement, as they are also road safety educators, first responders, traffic managers, and ambassadors of the Federal Road Safety Corps. A guest speaker, retired Deputy Corps Marshal Shehu Zaki, described the programme as an opportunity for renewal and reunion with serving officers. Zaki noted that the operational environment confronting government agencies in Nigeria has changed considerably.
Zaki emphasized the need for continuous reorientation and professional development of personnel, given the emerging operational challenges. He disclosed that participants would receive lectures on ethics, emotional intelligence, rule of law, and other subjects aimed at broadening their knowledge and improving their effectiveness. Zaki urged the marshals to take the opportunity seriously and make maximum benefit from the training.
The Corps Marshal directed commanders and facilitators to sustain the gains of the programme through effective supervision, mentoring, coaching, and periodic assessment. He also acknowledged the role of the media in supporting road safety campaigns through responsible public education and information dissemination. The training aims to enhance the competence and operational effectiveness of personnel.
Key points
- FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed emphasizes discipline and professionalism for frontline marshals.
- The training programme aims to enhance the competence and operational effectiveness of personnel.
- The Corps Marshal directs commanders and facilitators to sustain the gains of the programme.
