The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has formally urged the National Assembly to expedite the review of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007.
This legislative push aims to legally expand the agency’s operational mandate to include state roads, moving beyond its current restriction to Trunk A federal highways. The call comes in response to growing public concern over the presence of FRSC officials on state-controlled routes, a practice that currently sits outside the agency’s primary legal jurisdiction unless specifically authorized by state leadership.
Speaking on the XL Super Breakfast Show, the FRSC Sector Commander for Akwa Ibom, Felicia Kalu, clarified that while officials currently focus on federal corridors, they do operate on designated state roads when directed by local authorities. Kalu noted that the federal government is already reviewing policies to broaden the Corps’ jurisdiction, which would standardize their presence across a wider network of roads. This expansion is viewed by the command as a necessary step to harmonize traffic enforcement and improve safety standards nationwide, regardless of road classification.
Addressing the root causes of road mishaps, Kalu identified a combination of human, mechanical, and environmental factors as the primary drivers of accidents. She highlighted human errors—such as speeding, driving under the influence, and general disobedience to traffic signs—as major contributors, alongside poor vehicle maintenance and adverse weather conditions. The Sector Commander also took the opportunity to dispel rumors of professional misconduct, asserting that FRSC officials do not harass law-abiding motorists and only intervene when traffic regulations are visibly flouted.
To combat the rising cases of “one-way” driving and excessive speeding within the state, the FRSC is reportedly intensifying its public enlightenment campaigns to better educate road users. Kalu emphasized that strict penalties remain in place for those who violate regulations, including traffic light infractions. She advised motorists to adopt defensive driving habits and conduct thorough mechanical checks on their vehicles before traveling to ensure safety and avoid friction with enforcement officers during routine patrols.
