The head of Nigeria’s road safety agency has ordered a sweeping internal overhaul following concerns over the conduct of officers on the country’s highways. Shehu Mohammed, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has deployed his top management team across the country to enforce what he described as a “strategic reorientation” of the force. The move aims to address growing reports of unprofessionalism and “incivility” toward the public.
A push for ‘citizen-centered’ policing
Under the new directive, senior officials will lead retreats in field commands nationwide to recalibrate how officers interact with motorists. The reform focuses on four key areas:
Ethical compliance: Eradicating corruption and abuse of power.
Accountability: Holding commanding officers responsible for the behavior of their subordinates.
Standardized enforcement: Ensuring road safety laws are applied consistently.
Public feedback: Management teams will meet directly with local stakeholders to hear grievances regarding service delivery.”The Corps will not tolerate any behavior that undermines public trust,” Mr. Mohammed said in a statement. He warned that any personnel found guilty of misconduct or bringing the agency into disrepute would face “firm and immediate” disciplinary action.
Restoring public trust
The FRSC is a familiar sight on Nigeria’s vast road network, tasked with reducing accidents and ensuring vehicle compliance. However, like many law enforcement agencies in the region, it has faced periodic criticism over the conduct of its personnel during roadside stops. By embedding a “citizen-centered approach,” the leadership hopes to transform the agency into a more humane and responsive institution. The reforms come at a critical time as the agency seeks to modernize its operations and strengthen its mandate in Africa’s most populous nation.
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