The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has initiated a collaborative partnership with the Nigerian Army to enhance road safety and security within Lagos and Ogun states. This collaboration, spearheaded by Assistant Corps Marshal Ann Oladayo, the Zonal Commanding Officer for the two states, aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations for a multifaceted approach to road safety management. Key areas of collaboration include intelligence sharing, joint organization of periodic workshops for security agencies, provision of security cover for special FRSC operations, and training programs focused on driver and vehicle safety. The FRSC’s strategic goal for 2025 is to solidify its position as the leading agency in traffic management and administration in Nigeria, and this partnership with the Nigerian Army is a critical step towards achieving that objective.
A core element of the collaboration involves the FRSC’s offer to provide professional driver training to new army recruits. This initiative recognizes the importance of skilled driving within the military and aims to equip recruits with the necessary expertise to operate vehicles safely and effectively. Furthermore, the FRSC extends its training services to retiring army officers interested in pursuing driving as a profession, providing them with a valuable skill set for post-military life. This reciprocal arrangement benefits both organizations, enhancing the army’s driving capabilities while offering retiring officers a practical career path.
Major-General Farouk Mijinyawa, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, expressed his commitment to the partnership, acknowledging the army’s role in maintaining security within Lagos and Ogun states. While recognizing the army’s extensive responsibilities, Mijinyawa emphasized the importance of collaboration with other security agencies, including the FRSC, police, and customs, to ensure the safety and security of the public. This collaborative approach underscores the interconnectedness of road safety and overall security, with the FRSC playing a vital role in maintaining order and stability on the roads.
Beyond the Nigerian Army, the FRSC has also extended its collaborative efforts to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). Assistant Corps Marshal Oladayo met with ACG Ope Fatinikun, the Zonal Coordinator of the NCS Zone A, Lagos, to discuss inter-agency synergy and address critical issues related to road safety and offender management. The discussions focused on the reintegration of ex-convicts into society, particularly addressing the stigma they face. This aspect highlights the FRSC’s commitment to social responsibility and its recognition of the need to support ex-offenders in becoming productive members of society.
The collaborative discussions between the FRSC and NCS also encompassed practical matters such as driver’s license acquisition for inmates and the management of road traffic offenders within correctional facilities. These discussions aim to streamline processes and ensure a smooth transition for offenders back into society, equipping them with the necessary skills and documentation, including driver’s licenses, to facilitate their reintegration. This comprehensive approach to offender management underscores the importance of rehabilitation and the FRSC’s role in facilitating this process through its expertise in road safety and driver training.
The FRSC’s proactive engagement with both the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Correctional Service demonstrates a commitment to building strong partnerships and adopting a holistic approach to road safety management. These collaborations aim to enhance security, improve driver training, and support the reintegration of ex-offenders, all contributing to a safer and more secure road environment for the public. The FRSC’s focus on inter-agency cooperation highlights the importance of a unified approach to address complex challenges related to road safety and security, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
