A human‑rights activist has condemned the Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC) request to arm its personnel, calling it a “misplaced priority.” Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen argued that the proposal reflects a misunderstanding of true road safety, which he says hinges on public enlightenment, prevention and discipline rather than intimidation.
In a statement, Agberen noted that Nigeria already has several agencies—such as the police, customs and the NDLEA—that harass citizens with weapons. He questioned the need to add another layer of fear on already dangerous roads, stressing that guns will not solve the deeper problems of poor infrastructure and corruption. Instead, he urged FRSC officers to concentrate on professionalism, digital monitoring and public education to earn respect. According to Agberen, technologies like dashcams and automated number‑plate recognition systems can improve road safety without firearms.
Agberen emphasized that arming officers is about power, not safety, and warned that permitting one corps to bear arms could prompt similar demands from other agencies. He contended that the root causes of accidents on Nigerian roads are lack of discipline, inadequate infrastructure and a deficit of transparency, not a shortage of bullets. He called on the FRSC to lead by example: end bribery, enhance training, and press the government for safer road networks.
The activist concluded that better training, technology and integrity are far more effective at saving lives from reckless driving than arming FRSC personnel. The debate over the corps’ proposal underscores the broader challenges confronting Nigeria’s road‑safety efforts, as the nation continues to wrestle with corruption, deteriorating infrastructure and widespread indiscipline on its roads.
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