The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has urged reforms in the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to improve road safety operations across the country. 

Mr Akume made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the first quarter 2026 corps marshal strategy session with the FRSC high command.

The event has the theme “Driving Excellence Through Performance Review, Strategic Coordination, and Enhanced Road Safety Delivery”.

Mr Akume, represented by Kamila Kide, director of legal, also called for technology-driven operations and strengthened accountability in the corps.

He conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda provided a clear framework for national transformation, institutional efficiency, and improved service delivery.

The SGF described the strategy session as timely and strategic, noting that it provides a platform for the corps to evaluate its performance against corporate strategic goals and to review ongoing initiatives.

This, he said, included realigned operational priorities in line with the government’s focus on efficiency, accountability, and results-driven governance.

“The FRSC plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s development. Road safety goes beyond regulation and serves as a critical enabler of economic growth, national mobility, and public confidence in governance.

“Safe and efficient road networks are essential to boosting trade, attracting investment, and improving productivity as envisioned by the present administration. However, the operating environment is becoming increasingly complex due to rising vehicular density, changing road user behaviour, security concerns, and the need for more responsive emergency systems.

“There is a need for the corps to intensify the deployment of technology-driven solutions, strengthen data analytics, adopt intelligence-led enforcement, and enhance transparency in its operations,” he said.

Mr Akume added that digital transformation and innovation must become central to the corps’ road safety management strategy.

He commended the inclusive participation at the session, which brought together management staff, zonal commanding officers (ZCOs), heads of training institutions, and sector commanders.

The SGF described the session as a reflection of coordinated leadership and institutional cohesion.

He emphasised that the assessment and rating of departments and commands should go beyond mere ranking.

Mr Akume said assessment should serve as a performance management tool that drives accountability, rewards excellence, identifies gaps, and promotes continuous improvement.

“As the supervisory authority, the OSGF remains committed to providing the policy support and coordination required for the corps to effectively deliver on its mandate,” he said.

Mr Akume stressed the need for sustained investment in training, noting that FRSC institutions must produce officers who are technically competent and embody integrity, discipline, and a strong sense of public service.

He also underscored the importance of purposeful leadership and professionalism in command responsibility.

Looking ahead, Mr Akume said 2026 must deliver measurable and verifiable outcomes, including improved enforcement efficiency.

He also reiterated the sustained reduction in road traffic crashes, the enhanced emergency rescue response, and the increased public trust in the corps.

He commended the corps marshal and the leadership of the FRSC for sustaining reforms and promoting a performance-driven culture aligned with the vision of building resilient public institutions.

The SGF urged participants at the session to focus on actionable strategies, bold reforms, and sustainable solutions that would reposition the corps for greater efficiency and impact.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to strengthening the FRSC as a critical institution for delivering safe, efficient, and reliable road transport systems.

Mr Akume expressed optimism that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria would achieve safer roads, stronger systems, and more effective institutions for the benefit of the citizens.

Earlier, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the SGF for sustained support.

Mr Mohammed commended Mr Tinubu’s leadership in steering governance reforms, economic recovery and improved service delivery.

He said that the FRSC remains a critical institution in Nigeria’s governance framework, playing a key role in ensuring public safety, facilitating national mobility and supporting economic activities through safer road systems.

The corps marshal highlighted the increasingly complex operational environment, characterised by rising vehicular traffic, changing road-user behaviour, emerging security concerns, and growing demand for efficient emergency response.

“To address these challenges, the corps will deepen the deployment of technology, strengthen data analytics and decision-making processes, expand public enlightenment campaigns and build stronger partnerships with stakeholders across all tiers of government,” he said.

Mr Mohammed commended officers and men of the corps for their dedication and resilience, describing the progress recorded so far as a reflection of their commitment and sacrifice.

He urged them to remain focused on achieving greater impact.

The corps marshal further charged participants to ensure that deliberations are objective, professional, and solution-driven, with clear and actionable strategies to strengthen the corps’ institutional framework.

He expressed optimism that the session’s outcomes would reposition the FRSC to deliver its mandate more efficiently and effectively.

(NAN)