By Abdul Jelil Adebayo
He came prepared and is ready to make a difference. He is the new Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC, Mallam Shehu Usman Mohammed.
He came hitting the ground running with a mission to change and improve the fortune of FRSC in areas of policy formulation, operational strategies and human capital development.
The Prince from Zaz’zau has a philosophy that humility is the solid foundation of all virtues. He is a gentleman to the core.
Mohammed is out to write his name in gold. And as a first step, in his six points agenda, he is out to revamp the number plates and drivers license production which has before now become a sore thumb for the Corps.
As for his concern to find a lasting solution to this challenge, he has taken it head on, as the agency has reduced the processing time of the production of number plates for government vehicle from hitherto 2 months plus to less than a week.
“This mileage has led to the production of over 648 number plates issued to 41 ministries in the last 2 weeks alone.”
According to him, the Corps has also achieved a huge feat by increasing its production, as over 5,000 plates are produced weekly.
The Corps has resolved issues surrounding the production of the national drivers license as the production plants are performing at optimal level.
From July I to 15 of the same month, it was gathered that the Corps produced and dispatched a total of 76, 000 drivers licenses across to BIRs nationwide.
However, it was learnt that the Corps is still experiencing laxity from applicants in times of going to collect their licenses because, presently, “we have over 180, 000 licences domiciled with BIRs nationwide awaiting the owners to come and claim them.”
The Corps Marshall has also put in place adequate monitoring and evaluation team that supervises the NDL capture centers to ensure that ease of doing business is in full gear.
In its digital transformation in the operation,the Corps Marshall has ensured the establishment of Technical Advisory Unit TAU to combine with the Corps Information Technology Office CITO for improved operations.
Shehu Mohammed has also commenced the process for the digitalization of FRSC operations and processes to promote ease of doing business.
Desirous to instill discipline within the rank and file, he has introduced penalty point system as part of operational strategy to discourage abuse of traffic regulations.
The Corps under his supervision has also introduced digital equipments into its patrol activities which is commendable.
The Corps has renewed covenant in terms of discipline, with the Nigerian motoring public.
It has also established hall of shame where personnel who engaged in patrol misconduct/incivility to the motoring public are paraded and given the punishment that is due to them.
He is a man who does not take laxity as an excuse but wants things done as at when due without causing obstruction to the flow in the system.
In his desire to sanitize the Corps, Mohammed is strengthening existing collaboration between the Corps and ICPC on monitoring of patrol team and arrest of those who compromise.
He has also put in place internal regulatory mechanism through effective deployment of surveillance teams to monitor report and try operatives involved in patrol misconduct like bribery and other corrupt practices.
“We shall ensure zero tolerance to bribery on the highway as well as any form of extortion by subjecting staff caught in the act to disciplinary actions that will lead to termination of appointment or dismissal from service.”
Concerned about the welfare of its personnel, the Corps Marshall said there will be an establishment of hall of Fame where personnel who exhibit outstanding character are paraded and rewarded to boost morale and general productivity of staff.
It is not only punishment for erring personnel but reward system to also appreciate those flying the banner of FRSC higher and gloriously.
Under his watch, the Corps has started the harmonization of the Ranking Structure and the payment of transfer allowances and eradication of punitive posting from the Corps.
To get maximal output, attention is now on the training and retraining of staff. The Corps Marshall said the training institutions were active throughout the year.
Accordingly, the Corps commenced the first ever training of all Marshall operatives in RMA training school, Shendam, Plateau state.
Less than 90 days in office, he has also increased the number of staff on further studies just as it has commenced the training of Unit Commanders in FRSC Academy, Udi.
He has also broaden the scope of staff capacity building programmes in order to enhance their professionalism as well as boost staff performance.
In the area of strategic partnership, the Corps Marshall said the agency is in partnership with sister and relevant agencies.
“There is improved partnership with international agencies like UN, World Bank, WHO. We are also enhancing collaboration with transport unions and the Special Marshall.”
With this and many more, Corps Marshall Mohammed has indeed commenced efforts to stamp his feet in history as a man who utilizes his office to make a profound difference in FRSC.
His strength of character and no nonsense reputation for getting results has given him an edge to prove that success is no respecter but favours hard work and tenacity of purpose.
With assemblage of professionals around him, he is willing and ready to change the narrative of FRSC especially in areas of operational strategies and human development.
As staff are hailing the trajectory, FRSC is on a phase to bring credibility and acceptability to all its activities before the stakeholders in the industry.
Shehu Usman Mohammed, the Sulukin Arewan Zaz’zau, please keep the flag flying.
Abdul is an Abuja based journalist on abduljelil2001@gmail.com