Chief Johnson Apla, chairman of the Greater Virtue for Traffic Watch & Development Initiative (GVTWDI), a non-governmental organization, discusses the objectives of his initiative to revitalize the Traffic Warden Service (TWS) with the introduction of the Traffic Control Support Corps (TCSC). The aim is to alleviate gridlock in urban areas. Below are excerpts from the interview:
What motivated you to embark on this venture, considering the existence of numerous traffic control organizations in Nigeria?
In 1990, the then Assistant Inspector General of Police (Finance) unilaterally reduced the salaries of Traffic Wardens by 50%. This decision was based on the erroneous assumption that Traffic Wardens were ineffective. Legally, this action was ultra vires, meaning the AIG overstepped her authority.
In response, the Traffic Wardens took the matter to the Federal High Court in Kaduna (Suit No. FHC/KD/CS/134/97), and judgment was delivered on February 12, 1999.
The court ruled that Traffic Wardens are part of an independent agency established by the Federal Government and that they should perform their duties autonomously. Although the plaintiffs initially sought to be recognized as part of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the court clarified that the Traffic Warden Service (TWS) is a separate establishment.
Dissatisfied, the Traffic Wardens appealed the decision, seeking restoration of their rights and benefits. The Court of Appeal (Suit No. CA/K/112/99) upheld the earlier judgment on May 18, 2000. The appellate court acknowledged that while the ruling might not address their immediate concerns, it would be significant to the service in the future.
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In 2002, GVTWDI took up the cause and applied for a writ of execution, which was granted. A court order empowered us to enforce the judgment on behalf of the Federal Government. Our NGO also sponsored the Traffic Warden Service Bill (HB 596), which was passed by the National Assembly, effectively removing traffic duties from the Police. However, the bill was not transmitted to the President for assent, delaying its implementation.
Currently, GVTWDI is working with the National Assembly to revive the TWS Bill and secure the necessary legislative backing to fully establish the TCSC as part of a reformed and autonomous Traffic Warden Service.
Does this mean the NGO plans to integrate the TWS into the new Traffic Control Support Corps?
Our mission is to restore the Traffic Warden Service to its statutory function on Nigerian roads. The TWS remains the primary establishment, while the TCSC serves as an intervention program designed to support the limited number of Traffic Wardens currently in service.
