By Temitope Adebayo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called on its Special Marshals to embrace technology, data-driven interventions and strategic partnerships to improve road safety and reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries across Nigeria.
The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the call at the 2026 Special Marshals Zonal Conference in Abuja, stressing the need for the scheme to adapt to the changing road safety environment.
The conference, themed, “Repositioning Special Marshals for Greater Impact through Strategic Partnership and Data-Driven Road Safety Interventions,” brought together Special Marshals and other road safety stakeholders from Niger and the FCT Zone 7.
Mohammed, represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal, Administration and Human Resources, Pauline Olaye, said rising population and increasing vehicle ownership had made the road safety environment more dynamic.
He urged Special Marshals at the zonal, state and unit levels to develop partnerships that would strengthen road safety education, traffic management, emergency response, post-crash care, youth engagement and community-based interventions.
“The changing environment requires the special marshals scheme to evolve by embracing modern strategies that are evidence-based, technology-driven and partnership-oriented,” he said.
According to him, partnerships would expand the reach of road safety interventions while improving their sustainability and effectiveness.
He said the conference provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, share best practices, identify challenges and develop practical solutions to road safety challenges in their respective zones.
The FRSC boss also reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to supporting the development of the Special Marshals scheme through continuous capacity building, improved stakeholder engagement and enhanced operational support.
He commended the volunteers for their contributions to road safety, describing their service as an important complement to the efforts of the Corps.
“As we embrace the way forward, I urge you to focus on practical solutions, innovations, partnerships and measurable outcomes for repositioning the scheme for greater relevance and impact in the years ahead,” Mohammed said.
National Coordinator of the Special Marshals, Dr Usman Adaji, also called for continuous learning and adaptation to changing technology.
Adaji said the zonal conferences, held every two years, provided an avenue for members to broaden their knowledge, exchange experiences and improve their understanding of road safety responsibilities.
“Times are changing. The world is going global, and the only constant thing in life is change. Therefore, we need to change with the times,” he said.
He urged FRSC commanding officers to take advantage of the expertise available among Special Marshals, particularly members with Information and Communication Technology knowledge.
Similarly, the Zonal Coordinator, Sani Adisa, called for stronger partnerships and increased deployment of technology in road safety operations.
“We cannot actually work in isolation. So, we must partner stakeholders and we must also be driven by technology,” he said.
The Emir of Suleja, Malam Muhammad Ibrahim, represented by the Sarkin Padan Zazzau Suleja and District Head of Kwanba Suleja, Malam Musa Suleiman, pledged continued support for FRSC road safety initiatives.
The Emir said traditional institutions recognised the contribution of Special Marshals to road safety and stressed the importance of strategic partnerships and modern skills in improving road safety interventions.
He described road safety as a collective responsibility requiring the participation of individuals, families, communities and government institutions.
The conference also featured representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Fire Service, alongside Special Marshals and other stakeholders.
Awards were also presented to individuals recognised for their contributions to road safety, while selected honorary Special Marshals were decorated and certificates presented to participants.
