The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has embarked on a renewed campaign to combat the pervasive issue of fraudulent driving schools in Nigeria. This initiative stems from the understanding that human error is the primary cause of road accidents, and that proper driver education is crucial to mitigating these errors and fostering safer roads. The FRSC believes that accredited driving schools are the first line of defense in road safety, providing essential training that equips drivers to navigate the complexities of road travel responsibly. This latest effort, signified by a national workshop for driving school proprietors and instructors, underscores the FRSC’s commitment to enhancing road safety standards nationwide. The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has affirmed the agency’s dedication to this cause, emphasizing the importance of standardized training and continuous improvement in driver education.
The FRSC’s strategy involves a multi-pronged approach. While acknowledging the difficulty of completely eradicating fake driving schools, the Corps Marshal stressed the importance of consistent efforts to minimize their impact. The focus is on identifying and supporting legitimate driving schools that demonstrate the capacity to effectively train drivers and instill safe driving habits. This approach is viewed as a vital step towards creating a generation of more alert and skilled drivers capable of managing risk effectively. The FRSC believes that retraining programs are equally crucial, reinforcing safe driving practices and ensuring that drivers remain up-to-date on the latest road safety regulations and best practices.
The national workshop in Abuja is part of a larger, nationwide campaign spanning key cities like Lagos, Osogbo, and Kano. The FRSC aims to gather feedback and identify best practices from these sessions, which will then be used to develop a comprehensive framework for driver education. This framework will aim to standardize training across the country, ensuring consistent quality and ultimately contributing to a significant reduction in road accidents. The Corps Marshal expressed confidence that these engagements will foster a strong network of stakeholders committed to upholding road safety standards and restoring integrity to driver training in Nigeria. The overarching goal is to create a robust community actively working towards safer roads for all Nigerians.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, echoed the FRSC’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for standardized driver and rider training across the nation. Representing the Minister, Dr. Elechi Chinedum, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, highlighted the critical link between transportation, national development, and economic growth. He commended the FRSC’s ongoing efforts to improve highway safety, particularly through the Driving School Standardization Programme (DSSP), which regulates driving school operations. He underscored the tragic loss of life and injuries resulting from inadequate driver training, stressing the importance of effective training and continuous professional development for driving instructors.
The theme of the workshop, “Entrenching Highway Safety in Nigeria through Standardised Drivers and Riders Training,” further highlights the importance of this initiative. Recognizing that transportation is the backbone of economic and social activity, the FRSC and the FCT Ministry are aligned in their commitment to ensuring that drivers are properly trained and equipped to navigate the roads safely. This collaborative approach emphasizes the shared responsibility of ensuring road safety and aims to create a synergistic environment where stakeholders work together to achieve this vital national objective. By focusing on standardized training, the FRSC aims to improve driver competence, ultimately reducing road accidents and fostering a safer transportation landscape for all Nigerians.
The long-term vision of the FRSC, as evidenced by this campaign, is to establish a culture of road safety in Nigeria. This involves not only training competent drivers but also fostering a collective awareness of responsible road usage among all stakeholders, from drivers and driving instructors to policymakers and the general public. Through continuous engagement, standardized training, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the FRSC aims to create a future where road accidents are significantly reduced, contributing to national development and the well-being of all Nigerians. The ongoing dialogue and collaboration between government agencies and driving schools demonstrate a shared commitment to achieving this vital goal, paving the way for safer and more secure roads for all.
