By Emmanuel Okogba

The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs has urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to institutionalise regular training, retraining, and enhanced safety programmes for its personnel to improve operational efficiency and service delivery nationwide.

The call was made on Tuesday by the committee chairman, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, during the review of the FRSC’s 2025 budget performance and consideration of its 2026 budget proposal.

“Road safety management is dynamic. The FRSC must institutionalise regular training and retraining programmes for its personnel. Our officers must be equipped with modern skills, technology-driven knowledge, and global best practices to meet emerging challenges,” Onyesoh stated.

Presenting the FRSC report, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed disclosed that the agency generated over ₦4 billion in revenue in 2025 from fines, number plate registrations, and driver’s licence fees, attributing the figure to improved enforcement and compliance mechanisms.

The committee commended the Corps for enhanced professionalism and prompt response to road safety issues despite funding constraints, but reiterated the critical need for sustained capacity building to align FRSC operations with international standards in prevention and rescue efforts.

For 2026, the FRSC proposed a total expenditure of ₦129.13 billion, broken down into ₦99.74 billion for personnel costs, ₦26.96 billion for overhead, and ₦2.43 billion for capital projects.

The committee also reviewed the 2026 budget proposals of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo presented a proposed budget of ₦4.02 billion. The committee encouraged the institute to sustain reforms, improve funding, and review age criteria to accommodate younger applicants who can bring fresh perspectives to policy and leadership development.

Senator Onyesoh emphasized inclusivity: “While preserving the institute’s standards and traditions, there is a compelling need to review certain age requirements to create room for younger Nigerians who can contribute fresh perspectives to national policy and strategic development.”

The OSGF, represented by David Eze, proposed ₦22.29 billion for 2026, comprising ₦7.13 billion for personnel, ₦8.72 billion for overhead, and ₦6.45 billion for capital expenditure.

Other lawmakers in attendance included Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, Adams Oshiomhole, Victor Umeh, Amos Yohanna, Binos Yaroe, Kelvin Chukwu, Osita Ngwu, and committee Vice Chairman Diket Plang.

The budget proposals will undergo further legislative scrutiny as part of the 2026 appropriation process.