FRSC urges special marshals to embrace data-driven road safety
By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged its special marshals to embrace strategic partnerships, technology and data-driven interventions to enhance road safety and reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), fatalities and injuries across the country.
The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the call at the 2026 Special Marshals Zonal Conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is: “Repositioning Special Marshals for Greater Impact through Strategic Partnership and Data-Driven Road Safety Interventions.”
Mohammed, who was represented by Pauline Olaye, the Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM), Administration and Human Resources, said the theme reflected the realities of contemporary road safety management and the need for innovative approaches to achieving sustainable results.
He said the conference was a strategic forum to strengthen collaboration, enhance operational efficiency and promote the advancement of the Special Marshals scheme across the 12 zones of the FRSC.
He added that the special marshals’ presence at the conference demonstrated their dedication to supporting the corps in its mandate of creating safer roads and reducing crashes, fatalities and injuries nationwide.
He noted that “the road safety environment is becoming increasingly dynamic, driven by factors including population growth and increased vehicle ownership.
“The changing environment requires the special marshals scheme to evolve by embracing modern strategies that are evidence-based, technology-driven and partnership-oriented.
“I, therefore, encourage special marshals at zonal, state and unit levels to actively cultivate partnerships that support road safety education, traffic management, emergency response, post-crash care initiatives, youth engagement and community-based interventions.
“Such partnerships will not only expand our reach but also enhance the sustainability of our activities.”
Mohammed said the conference also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, share best practices, identify challenges and develop innovative solutions to road safety realities within their respective zones.
The corps marshal assured that the FRSC remained committed to supporting the growth and development of the special marshals scheme through continuous capacity building, improved stakeholder engagement and enhanced operational support.
Mohammed expressed appreciation to the special marshals “for their selfless service and sacrifice to humanity”, noting that their voluntary contributions complemented the efforts of the corps and helped to save lives on Nigerian roads.
He also said that the corps would continue to create opportunities for volunteers to contribute meaningfully to national road safety objectives.
“As we embrace the way forward, I urge you to focus on practical solutions, innovations, partnerships and measurable outcomes for repositioning the scheme for greater relevance and impact in the years ahead,” he said.
The FRSC boss said the collective efforts of the corps and special marshals could build a more resilient, better-trained and partnership-focused scheme capable of contributing significantly to the realisation of the FRSC strategy and the vision of a safer road transport environment in Nigeria.
The National Coordinator of the Special Marshals, Dr Usman Adaji, reiterated the commitment of the marshals to continuous learning, improved knowledge and adapting to changing times.
Adaji said zonal conferences, held once every two years, provided opportunities for members to broaden their knowledge, exchange experiences and improve their understanding of road safety responsibilities.
He said the theme of the conference was timely, considering the rapid changes in the world and the growing influence of technology on virtually every aspect of life.
“Times are changing. The world is going global, and the only constant thing in life is change. Therefore, we need to change with the times,” he said.
He urged FRSC commanding officers to leverage the expertise of special marshals within their commands, particularly members with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) knowledge.
The Zonal Coordinator, Sani Adisa, called for stronger partnerships with stakeholders and greater use of technology to improve the effectiveness of road safety interventions across the country.
According to him, contemporary road safety challenges require greater collaboration with relevant stakeholders, as well as the deployment of technology to achieve better results.
“We cannot actually work in isolation. So, we must partner stakeholders and we must also be driven by technology,” he said.
The Emir of Suleja, Malam Muhammad Ibrahim, pledged continued support and partnership with the FRSC to safeguard lives on Nigerian roads.
Represented by Malam Musa Suleiman, the Sarkin Padan Zazzau Suleja and District Head, Kwanba Suleja, the emir said the traditional institution recognised and appreciated the selfless voluntary service of the special marshals to road safety.
He stressed the need for strategic partnerships and application of modern skills and technology to improve the impact of road safety interventions.
Ibrahim, who described road safety as a collective responsibility requiring the involvement of every home, community and the nation as a whole, reiterated the emirate council’s commitment towards road safety initiatives.
NAN reports that the conference brought together special marshals and other stakeholders from the Niger and FCT Zone 7, as well as representatives of sister security and emergency-response agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Fire Service.
Highpoints of the event were awards presented to deserving dignitaries who contributed to the growth of road safety in Nigeria, decoration of selected honourary special marshals, certificate presentations, among others.
