The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has charged frontline marshals to uphold discipline, integrity, fairness and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Mohammed gave the charge on Tuesday during a two-day capacity-building programme organised for frontline marshals of the RS10 Sokoto Sector Command.

Represented by the Zonal Corps Marshal, ACM Fredrick Ogidan, the Corps Marshal said the training was part of efforts by the FRSC management to improve the competence and operational effectiveness of its personnel.

He said, “The programme forms part of the Corps’ deliberate efforts to strengthen the competence, professionalism and operational effectiveness of our frontline personnel, and the management’s commitment to equipping our marshals to meet the demands of modern road safety operations.”

Mohammed described frontline marshals as the most visible representatives of the FRSC, noting that their conduct and interactions with motorists could influence public perception of the organisation.

“The impression formed by members of the public about the FRSC is often influenced by their direct encounters with our personnel on the road. Consequently, our conduct, communication, appearance and manner of enforcement must always reflect the standard expected of a professional road safety organisation,” he said.

He also urged the marshals to apply emotional intelligence and fairness when enforcing traffic regulations, stressing that enforcement should not lead to unnecessary confrontations with road users.

“Fairness is necessary for effective enforcement, but fairness must not require unnecessary confrontation. Enforcement must be professional, measured, consistent and respectful of the dignity of the road user,” Mohammed said.

The Corps Marshal reminded the personnel that the FRSC uniform symbolises the authority of government and must therefore be worn and exercised responsibly.

He added that the responsibilities of the Corps extended beyond traffic control and enforcement, requiring marshals to identify road hazards, manage emerging risks and respond appropriately to changing traffic situations.

Mohammed also tasked commanders and facilitators with sustaining the benefits of the training through effective supervision, mentoring, coaching and periodic assessments.

The Sokoto Sector Commander, Corps Commander Adamu Argungu, said the changing road safety environment made continuous training and skills development necessary for personnel.

Argungu identified increasing traffic volumes, distracted driving, vehicle overloading, inadequate road infrastructure and technological developments as some of the emerging challenges facing road safety operations.

“It is therefore necessary for our marshals to continuously update their knowledge and improve their operational skills,” he said.

He encouraged participants to take an active part in the training sessions by asking questions and sharing practical experiences from their field operations.

According to him, FRSC marshals perform several roles beyond enforcement, including road safety education, traffic management and representing the Corps to members of the public.

Also speaking, retired Deputy Corps Marshal and facilitator, Shehu Zaki, described the programme as an opportunity for personnel to renew their commitment and reassess their approach to their duties.

Zaki said the operational environment in Nigeria had changed considerably, presenting new challenges for government agencies such as the FRSC.

“Somebody who has worked for more than 35 years would tell you definitely that the operational environment of many organisations has dramatically changed,” he said.

He described the current environment as “highly charged”, with increasing vulnerability and provocation, making continuous training and reorientation important for personnel.

Zaki urged the participants to pay close attention to sessions covering ethics, values, emotional intelligence, the rule of law and other areas relevant to their responsibilities.

“I want to advise each and every one of you that this is a rare opportunity. Do not squander this opportunity. Sit down quietly, listen attentively for you to make maximum benefit of your coming to this place,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the programme would help improve the professionalism and operational effectiveness of FRSC personnel in their service to the Nigerian public.