By Fatima Saka
The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs on Tuesday lauded what it described as measurable improvements in discipline, professionalism and operational coordination within the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), signaling renewed confidence in the agency’s enforcement culture.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, gave the commendation during an oversight session with the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, at the National Assembly.
Lawmakers noted that road safety officers now demonstrate improved composure in high-pressure situations, better structured command systems and more coordinated field operations. The Committee attributed the progress to strengthened internal leadership and ongoing institutional reforms.
A member of the Committee, Senator Kevin representing Enugu State, said the visible change in officers’ conduct on highways reflects deliberate efforts to entrench discipline and accountability within the Corps. He emphasized that professionalism must remain continuous through regular training and retraining, particularly for personnel who engage directly with the public.
While acknowledging the agency’s operational gains, the Committee subjected its 2026 budget proposal to detailed scrutiny. Senators questioned the proposed rise in personnel costs from ₦84 billion in 2025 to ₦99.737 billion in 2026, alongside the increase in overhead expenditure from ₦10 billion to ₦26 billion.
The Committee requested comprehensive breakdowns to justify the adjustments, including payroll validation, staffing levels, wage components and clarification of items reportedly reclassified under overhead.
Members also stressed the need for stronger capital project implementation, particularly investments in rescue infrastructure, equipment modernization and strategically positioned response units along high-risk corridors.
On emergency management, lawmakers observed that improved enforcement must be matched with faster and more coordinated rescue response nationwide. They called for enhanced collaboration between the FRSC, Fire Service, Police and the Federal Ministry of Works to address structural road defects and prevent avoidable crashes.
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Responding, the Corps Marshal reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to sustaining reforms, deepening technology deployment and strengthening inter-agency partnerships to improve road safety outcomes.
The Committee reiterated that its oversight function is aimed at reinforcing institutional progress while ensuring fiscal discipline and measurable impact in the protection of lives on Nigerian roads.
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