The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has described Special Marshals as a key catalyst for promoting road safety and reducing crashes and fatalities in Nigeria.

Mohammed stated this on Thursday in Dutse, Jigawa State, during the investiture of Governor Umar Namadi as Patron, Special Marshal of Nigeria and Safety Ambassador.

Represented by the Kano Sector Commander, Idris Lawal, the corps marshal said Special Marshals remained a critical volunteer arm of the FRSC, particularly in traffic management, public enlightenment, intelligence gathering and accident prevention.

“Their role in traffic management, public enlightenment, and intelligence gathering remains invaluable to achieving our corporate mandate of reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities,” he said.

Mohammed commended Namadi for his contributions to road development and safety in Jigawa, saying the recognition reflected the governor’s leadership and support for road safety initiatives in the state.

He added that Namadi’s patronage would strengthen collaboration among the state government, FRSC and Special Marshals towards promoting safe road use.

Namadi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Jigawa Ministry of Works and Transport, Ahmad Sani, said road safety was a collective responsibility involving the government and all road users.

“While the government will continue to provide and maintain good road infrastructure, all road users must equally demonstrate discipline, caution and respect for traffic regulations,” he said.

The governor said his administration had completed 26 inherited road projects and embarked on new ones to improve road infrastructure across the state.

He said the projects had improved connectivity and enhanced access to safer roads for residents.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the conference was organised by the RS1 Headquarters, comprising the Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa Sector Commands.

The conference had the theme, “Repositioning Special Marshal for Greater Impact: Through Strategic Partnerships and Data Driven Road Safety Intervention.”

The Zonal Coordinator, Special Marshals, Usman Ya’u, said the conference provided a platform to strengthen cooperation among Special Marshals and road safety stakeholders.

Also, the National Coordinator, Special Marshals, Adaji Usman, urged members to adhere to the approved dress code and avoid combining official regalia with unauthorised items.

Usman said Special Marshals requiring operational materials should use the appropriate communication channels, adding that their identification cards would soon be ready.

The conference was attended by FRSC personnel from the Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa commands, as well as representatives of road transport unions, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

NAN