The Senate has underscored the need for sustained training, capacity building and enhanced safety programmes for personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps, stressing that continuous professional development remains critical to efficient road safety administration across the country.
The call came on Wednesday during the agency’s 2025 budget performance review and consideration of its 2026 budget proposal before the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
Chairman of the Committee, Allwell Onyesoh, said modernising training frameworks within the Corps was non-negotiable if Nigeria must keep pace with evolving road safety demands, emerging technologies and global best practices.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Publicity and Communications, Peter Oriri, the lawmaker emphasised that structured and continuous retraining would strengthen discipline, improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery nationwide.
He stated, “The FRSC must institutionalize regular training and retraining programmes for its personnel. Road safety management is dynamic, and our officers must be equipped with modern skills, technology-driven knowledge, and global best practices to meet emerging challenges.”
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, in his presentation, disclosed that the agency generated over ₦4bn in revenue in 2025.
He explained that the revenue was realised from fines, number plate registrations and driver’s licence fees, reflecting improved enforcement and compliance mechanisms.
While commending the FRSC for renewed professionalism and its prompt response to road safety matters despite funding challenges, the Committee reiterated the need for sustained training and retraining of officers in active service to meet world standards in prevention and rescue operations.
For the 2026 fiscal year, the FRSC proposed a total expenditure of ₦129bn broken down into Personnel Cost – ₦99,737,554,653; Overhead Cost – ₦26,964,914,587 and Capital Expenditure – ₦2,425,987,544.
The Committee also reviewed the 2026 budget proposal of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, presented by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Omotayo.
The Institute proposed a total budget of ₦4,016,023,688 for the 2026 fiscal year.
Following deliberations, the Committee urged improved funding for the effective implementation of NIPSS programmes and encouraged the institution to sustain its ongoing reforms despite prevailing challenges.
It also advised the Institute to review its age criteria to accommodate younger applicants seeking to enhance their policy knowledge and leadership capacity.
Speaking on inclusivity and generational renewal in policy development, Onyesoh said, “While preserving the Institute’s standards and traditions, there is a compelling need to review certain age requirements to create room for younger, brilliant Nigerians who are eager to contribute fresh perspectives to national policy and strategic development.”
In addition, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by David Eze on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, submitted a proposed budget of ₦22,294,833,817 for 2026.
The breakdown includes Personnel Cost – ₦7,128,078,895; Overhead Cost – ₦8,716,435,372, and Capital Cost – ₦6,450,319,550.
Other members of the Committee present at the session included the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; Adams Oshiomhole; Victor Umeh; Amos Yohanna; Binos Yaroe; Kelvin Chukwu; Osita Ngwu; and the Vice Chairman of the Committee.
Stay ahead with the latest updates!
Join The Podium Media on WhatsApp for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
Chat with Us on WhatsApp
