By Queen Kunde
In 1976, Nigeria recorded a shocking 40,881 road crashes. Thousands of lives were lost. The country had no clear system to manage road safety. Fear and frustration spread across the nation. Even respected voices like Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka called for urgent action to stop the bloodshed on Nigerian highways.
That call led to the birth of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in 1988. It was created by then Military President Ibrahim Babangida to bring order, discipline and coordination to road safety across the country.
Today, 38 years later, the FRSC stands as one of Africa’s strongest road safety institutions — a far cry from the chaos of the past.
From Crisis to Control
When the Corps began, road safety enforcement was weak. Rescue services were poor. Records were scattered. Drivers often ignored traffic laws.
Over the years, the FRSC changed that story.
It introduced the National Driver’s Licence system and modern number plates to track vehicles properly. The “One Driver, One Record” database helped ensure every driver could be identified. The Corps also launched the toll-free 122 emergency number and a 24-hour call centre, cutting down response time to accident scenes and saving lives.
Today, more than 95 percent of its work is digital. The FRSC is also the only paramilitary agency in Nigeria to earn ISO certification four times in a row — proof of its growing professionalism.
A New Era of Leadership
Under the current Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the Corps is building on past gains. Patrols are now guided by data. High-risk roads are closely monitored. Officers receive stronger training. Partnerships with transport unions, fleet operators and state agencies have been strengthened.
The message is clear: road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Strong Presence Nationwide
From zonal and sector commands to roadside clinics and ambulance points, the FRSC has built a strong national network. Its Regular Marshals and volunteer Special Marshals form one of the largest road safety workforces in Africa.
The Corps also runs programmes like the Driving School Standardisation Programme and the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme to improve driver training and transport safety. Speed control and safe loading rules are strictly enforced to prevent avoidable crashes.
A Model for Africa
Road transport carries over 90 percent of passengers and goods in Nigeria. As vehicle numbers grow, the challenge becomes bigger. But the foundation laid over nearly four decades has positioned the FRSC as a continental model.
From once being ranked among the most dangerous places to drive, Nigeria now has a structured and data-driven road safety system aligned with global standards.
The Road Ahead
Thirty-eight years on, the mission remains the same: to make Nigerian roads safer for everyone.
The journey has not been easy. But the results speak loudly. Through courage, discipline and steady leadership, the FRSC has helped save countless lives and built a culture of safety on Nigerian roads.
As the Corps marks its 38th anniversary, it does so not just with celebration but with renewed commitment to protect lives today and for generations to come.
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