A human rights activist, Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, on Monday said the calls by the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on the Federal Government to allow its personnel to bear arms is a “misplaced priority,” stressing that it shows a “misunderstanding of what true road safety is.”
This was contained in a statement signed by Agberen and made available to our correspondent in Warri.
He said, “Road safety is public enlightenment, prevention, and discipline, not intimidation.”
According to Agberen, “Nigeria is already overwhelmed by agencies harassing citizens with weapons — Police, Customs, NDLEA, and others. Do we really want to add another layer of fear on our already dangerous roads?
“Guns will not fill potholes, repair collapsed highways, or end the culture of bribery that erodes respect for our institutions.”
Agberen opined that, “If FRSC officers focus on professionalism, digital monitoring (dashcams, bodycams, automated number plate systems), and consistent public education, they will earn respect without a single bullet.”
He further argued that, “Carrying arms is not about safety; it is about power. And once one corps is allowed, VIO, NYSC, and others will demand the same, after all, they are also corps, turning our highways into barracks.
“Must every uniform in Nigeria be militarized? The truth is simple: accidents on our roads are not caused by lack of bullets but by lack of discipline, infrastructure, and transparency.
“If FRSC wants credibility, let them lead by example, end bribery, improve training, and push government for safer road networks.
“A gun in their hand will not save a single life from reckless driving, but better training, technology, and integrity surely will.”
