The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the decline in road crashes and traffic violations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to its growing collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), particularly through the non-custodial sentencing system.
The FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Tijjani Iliyasu, made the assertion on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
Iliyasu said the establishment of a Non-Custodial Desk Office at the FRSC FCT Sector Command and the deployment of correctional officers to the Corps’ mobile courts had significantly improved compliance with traffic regulations.
According to him, the prompt prosecution of traffic offenders through the mobile courts has served as a deterrent, leading to a marked reduction in traffic offences and road crashes across the FCT.
“With the establishment of the non-custodial desk office here at the FCT Sector Command and the presence of correctional officers in our mobile courts that punish traffic offenders almost immediately, we have witnessed a remarkable reduction in traffic offences and road crashes in the FCT,” he said.
The Sector Commander, however, noted that recklessness, indiscipline and disregard for traffic laws remain major contributors to road accidents. He urged motorists and other road users to prioritise safety and avoid driving habits that endanger lives.
Responding, the Controller of Corrections, Christopher Peter Jen, thanked the FRSC leadership for the visit and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Correctional Service to strengthening collaboration with the road safety agency.
Jen outlined the Service’s mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, adding that the NCoS would continue to support the FRSC’s efforts to improve road safety and reduce crashes in the nation’s capital.
The meeting also explored additional areas of cooperation between the two agencies aimed at enhancing public safety and promoting greater compliance with traffic laws.
