By Diana Omueza
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has emphasised that the roles of its Special Marshals across the country remain vital, crucial, and valuable in road traffic management.
The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed said this on Saturday in Abuja at the 2024 Special Marshal Zonal Conference.
The conference is the maiden edition with theme; “Leveraging Technology for Improved Traffic Management and Enforcement; The FRSC digitalisation Approach.”
Mohammed, represented by Assistant Corp Marshal, Aliya Datsama, said that the roles played by special marshals in the management and enforcement of road traffic rules could not be undermined.
“I commiserate with the Special Marshal Unit nationwide over the death of its members. It is unfortunate that the deaths of special marshals are on the rise.
“The roles of special marshals are unarguably vital in road management and this conference offers an excellent opportunity to explore the digitalisation of traffic management,” he said.
The corps marshal urged the unit to continue to embrace technology as its roles in enforcing traffic rules and curtailing road crashes was increasingly crucial.
He urged the unit to explore and recommend new technology, especially technology with the ability to analyse data and improve road management.
Mohammed cautioned members of the society from disregarding and hurling abuses at special marshals while carrying out their duties and ensuring adherence to traffic rules for their own safety.
He urged Nigerians to honor and respect them stating that they were not jobless but skilled professionals in different fields contributing to road safety.
“Special marshals are experts, academicians, and professionals who are contributing their quote to road management for the benefit of the entire society,” he said.
Mohammed reiterated FRSC commitment to continue to support the unit to achieve giant strides.
Mr Usman Adaji, FRSC Special Marshal Zonal Coordinator Zone 7, explained that the conference sought to educate members of the public and key stakeholders on best practices for using Nigeria’s roads safely and avoiding accidents.
“We are sensitising the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), regular marshals, the FRSC clubs, corps members and school students to road usage.
Adaji called for the support of the government through funding to raise awareness on the unit and boost its operations nationwide.
He also urged Nigerians to be law abiding and support marshals by adhering to traffic laws for the collective benefits of every road user.
Sen. Mohammed Abba, Chairman of the occasion highlighted the importance of technology in road management and lauded the efforts of special marshals in managing motorists.
The Zonal Commanding Officer, ACM Hafeez Mohammed, also lauded the unit for their contribution to road managements and traffic control.
Mr Abba Kakah, Chairman Central Planning Committee of the conference, thanked the FRSC for creating a platform to enhance the operations of special marshals.
He lauded the large turnout of stakeholders at the event and called for more support to sustain the conference for the enhancement of the unit.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that special marshals are the volunteer arm of the Federal Road Safety Corps, consisting of men and women with proven integrity in the society.
The highlight of the conference was the decoration of Honorary Special Marshals and the unveiling of the Maiden Edition of the Zonal Special Marshal Journal tagged “Road Watch”
