The House of Representatives has advanced a bill that proposes amending the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act of 2007 to allow FRSC officers to bear arms and form a Road Safety Special Armed Squad. Sponsored by Reps. Abiodun Adesida and Olaide Muhammed, the bill aims to enhance the responsibilities of the FRSC in road traffic administration and safety management, while granting officers benefits typically given to those at the rank of Deputy Corp Marshal.
If passed, the FRSC would gain more authority to manage traffic, oversee public road users, and remove obstructions from roads to prevent accidents. Additionally, the bill highlights the need for educating drivers and the public on proper road usage.
The House also discussed the need for technology-assisted enforcement methods like Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) systems, as presented by Rep. Garba Muhammad. He raised concerns over the risks posed by physical checkpoints, including the potential for accidents and traffic bottlenecks, along with issues of alleged corruption. Muhammad emphasized the importance of safety in enforcement, advocating for limiting high-speed chases to situations where they can be carried out safely.
The bill has been referred to the FRSC committee for further legislative review, and the FRSC has been urged to reevaluate its enforcement strategies to improve safety and reduce violations.
