society
Shehu Mohammed and the Evolution of Digitization in FRSC: A Tale of Road Safety Revolution in Nigeria
Shehu Mohammed and the Evolution of Digitization in FRSC: A Tale of Road Safety Revolution in Nigeria
From whatever perspective you choose to look at him, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed is a voyage in the transportation industry with a touch of class. One of the most outstanding safety practitioners whose efficiency, knowledge, diligence and professionalism have become another definition of standard in road safety administration and traffic management. I say this because, Men of unique achievements are celebrated anywhere in the world, and when their values are appreciated, they are not only spurred to do more, but also encouraged to inspire the younger generation. This article therefore explores the evolution of digitization in FRSC, its impact on road safety, and how the leadership of Mallam Shehu Mohammed has driven this transformation.
To begin with, a critical appraisal of this digital age suggests that innovation and technology have transformed various sectors, including the road transportation sector, especially in the area of safety of lives and properties of commuters on the road.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria’s premier road safety agency, has seen an unprecedented degree of digital revolution that has placed the lead agency at the forefront of unparalleled transformation.
The evolution of digitization at FRSC under Shehu Mohammed’s leadership has rekindled the light of hope in FRSC. By embracing technology, FRSC has enhanced efficiency, transparency, and service delivery, setting a benchmark for public sector innovation. As FRSC continues to push the boundaries of digitization, its impact on road safety will only continue to grow, saving lives and making Nigerian roads safer.
The present Corps Marshal whose trajectory dates back to more than 3 decades has been instrumental in driving FRSC’s digital transformation. His vision, strategic thinking, and commitment to innovation have inspired a cultural shift, positioning FRSC as a model for public sector digitization in Nigeria.
With a policy thrust that has Rejiged and repositioned operational activities through digital transformation, broadened the scope of strategic partnership, entrenched zero tolerance to indiscipline as well as enhanced welfare of staff, the Corps Marshal has revolutionised the lead agency and revived it’s Glory.
The Corps Marshal began his digital revolution on the administrative front with Electronic Document Management System ( Paperless) which will be launched soon. While on the operational front, he initiated and launched FRSC Mobile Application, a one-stop shop for all FRSC products and services, for ease of doing business and quality service delivery. The FRSC Mobile App was introduced to generate and analyse real time data on operations, Traffic Crashes data management, road conditions, and provide customers with feedback on the Corps’ products. The initiative targets at enhancing the operations of the Corps, so as to significantly improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of road safety management in Nigeria.
The Application provides the Corps with critical information, enables timely decision-making and swift action to ensure the safety of road users. The importance of the application and its impact on road safety administration cannot be emphasized as it ensures immediate incident response, dynamic traffic management, accurate and timely reporting, data-driven insights for Future Planning, etc.
Part of the features of this innovative App includes its ability to detect vehicle speed, black spots on the roads, remind drivers and vehicle owners about when to change their tyres, grant easy access to verification of drivers license, vehicle number plates as well as other FRSC products and services.
You could access the National Traffic Radio for real time traffic update, and also report road traffic crashes, obstructions and other emergencies.
Having understood that a well collated and analysed data drives decision-making and guides policy formulation and implementation, the Corps Marshal developed the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS).
NACRIS complements the Corps efforts exhibited over the years to capture information about road traffic crash such as the inauguration of Road Traffic Crash Information system in 2014 and the harmonized reporting format of Road traffic Crash to align with international best practice. It is a web application that allows the Corps to analyse the economic, health and other burdens that road traffic crashes leaves on the shoulders of our nation, as well as helps in intelligence sharing with relevant stakeholders such as NPF, NEMA, NBS, NCDC, etc.
In less than hundred days in office, Shehu restored the integrity of the National Drivers License and resolved issues surrounding the production of the national drivers license and the vehicle number plates by strengthening the production capacity of the production plants which are presently performing at optimal level.
Added to this is the introduction of penalty point system as part of operational strategy to discourage abuse of traffic regulations.
Apparently with these milestones, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed is indeed a believer in success who goes the stretch to achieve it. He has proven to be a leader who leads by example and his leadership cuts across tribes, religion and cultural boundaries, without discrimination.
Fondly referred to as “Mr Welfare” by members of the Corps, Shehu Mohammed also broadened the scope of staff professionalism through enhanced capacity development. Part of the efforts in this regard include the expansion of slots for further studies for staff. For the first time in the history of the Corps, the entire arresting Marshal’s and Commanding Officers have been subjected to an intensive training that will enhance staff professionalism.
In the same vein, within the short period, the Corps Marshal ensured the promotion of officers as a catalyst for optimal performance. He has promoted 8 Assistant Corps Marshals to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshal while 28 Corps Commanders are presently awaiting their promotion to the rank of Assistant Corps Marshal.
To boost the morale of staff, he established the hall of fame where personnel who exhibit outstanding character are paraded and rewarded to boost their morale and general productivity of staff. This is in addition to hall of shame where personnel who engage in Patrol Misconduct/Incivility to the motoring public are paraded and given the punishment that is due to them.
Apart from the foregoing, the Corps under his leadership has commenced harmonization of the Ranking Structure and proper placement of Men of the other rank. Payment of transfer allowances and eradication of punitive posting from the Corps has also been in top speed.
Knowing the impact of mutual collaboration, he went further to strengthen partnership with International agencies (United Nations (UN), World Bank, World health Organization (WHO). As well as enhanced collaboration with transport unions and the Special Marshals.
A combination of these strategic efforts reflected in the 2024 Eid-El-KABIR special patrol, where the Corps recorded huge reduction in crashes, fatalities and injuries. 51% reduction in road traffic crashes, 38% reduction in number of people involved, and 39% reduction in number of people killed. Also, while 35% decrease was recorded in number of people injured, the Corps achieved 41% reduction in number of people rescued without injuries.
A trail blazer and one of the key member of the group who blazed the trail that transformed what is today known as the Lead Agency on road safety in the whole of Africa; Shehu Mohammed is a Prince from the royal throne of the Zauzzau Emirate, the Sulikin Arewan Zauzzau and a Double-Awardee, of FRSC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit.
Bisi Kazeem, fsi, anipr, FISPON, a retired Deputy Corps Marshal, veteran road safety professional and a public relations expert, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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