The House of Representatives has moved forward with a Bill to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act of 2007, aiming to create a special armed squad for the Road Safety Corps. The Bill, sponsored by Hon. Abiodun Derin Adesida and Hon. Olaide Lateef Muhammed, also proposes providing benefits for Deputy Corps Marshals, including retirement benefits.
The Bill seeks to give the FRSC more authority to manage road safety, prevent traffic crashes, clear road blockages, and educate the public on safe road use. It also calls for the use of modern technology, such as automated vehicle tracking and traffic enforcement, to improve road safety and reduce violations.
The motion for the Bill, presented by Hon. Garba Ibrahim Muhammad, raised concerns about the safety risks of physical checkpoints, which can cause traffic jams, especially during peak hours. He also highlighted the dangers of FRSC officers chasing motorists at high speeds, leading to accidents. Additionally, there have been reports of corruption, with some officers allegedly asking for bribes or impounding vehicles over minor offenses.
