The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has urged frontline marshals in Sokoto State to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism while carrying out their duties.
Mohammed made the call 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 FRSC boss said the training was designed to improve the competence and operational effectiveness of personnel.
He described frontline marshals as the most visible representatives of the Corps, noting that their conduct and interactions with motorists could influence public perception of the FRSC.
According to him, marshals must ensure that their communication, appearance and enforcement methods reflect the standards expected of a professional road safety 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.
Mohammed also advised the personnel to apply emotional intelligence and fairness when enforcing traffic regulations, stressing that enforcement should not create unnecessary confrontation with motorists.
He said traffic enforcement must be carried out in a professional, measured, consistent and respectful manner.
The Corps Marshal further reminded the marshals that the FRSC uniform symbolised the authority of government and must therefore be worn and exercised responsibly.
He explained that the responsibilities of the Corps extended beyond traffic control and enforcement, urging personnel to develop the ability to identify hazards, manage emerging risks and respond effectively to changing road conditions.
Mohammed also tasked commanders and facilitators to consolidate the benefits of the training through regular supervision, mentoring, coaching and assessment of personnel.
In his welcome address, the Sokoto Sector Commander, Corps Commander Adamu Argungu, said continuous training had become necessary because of the changing nature of road safety operations.
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Argungu listed rising traffic volumes, distracted driving, vehicle overloading, inadequate road infrastructure and technological developments among the challenges confronting road safety management.
“It is therefore necessary for our marshals to continuously update their knowledge and improve their operational skills,” he said.
The sector commander encouraged participants to actively engage in the training sessions, ask questions and share experiences from their field operations.
He noted that marshals served not only as enforcement officers but also as road safety educators, traffic managers and ambassadors of the FRSC.
A guest speaker and facilitator at the programme, retired Deputy Corps Marshal Shehu Zaki, described the training as an opportunity for personnel to renew their commitment and reassess their approach to their duties.
Zaki said the operating environment for government agencies had changed considerably over the years, creating new challenges for personnel.
He described the current environment as highly charged, with increased vulnerability and provocation, making regular training and reorientation important.
Zaki urged the participants to pay close attention to the sessions covering ethics, values, emotional intelligence and the rule of law.
He expressed confidence that the programme would equip the marshals with improved knowledge and a better understanding of their responsibilities to the public.