The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) witnessed a historic moment on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, as its first Corps Marshal, Dr. Olu Agunloye, made an unscheduled visit to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja to meet with the current Corps Marshal, Mr. Shehu Mohammed.

Described by staff as a “rare moment in history,” the encounter brought together the pioneer leader of the FRSC, appointed in February 1988, and its incumbent leader, who assumed office in May 2024.
This symbolic meeting highlighted the legacy of innovation and excellence that has defined the FRSC since its inception.
During his tenure from 1988 to 1994, Dr. Agunloye spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives, including the revised Highway Code, National Driver’s Licence scheme, and the establishment of a state-of-the-art number plate factory in Lagos.
These projects set a high benchmark for the FRSC and earned the agency a reputation as a model government institution under the Ibrahim Babangida administration.

Following a closed-door meeting with the Corps Marshal and senior officers, Dr. Agunloye expressed admiration for the current leadership’s vision and energy.
He praised Mr. Mohammed and his team for their commitment to advancing road safety, describing their plans as a “bold step toward making Nigeria a global leader in traffic management and road safety.”

“The FRSC’s new leadership is charting a course that will elevate Nigeria’s road safety systems to new heights, not just within the country but across Africa. Their innovative efforts will undoubtedly make Nigeria proud,” Dr. Agunloye stated.

He also commended successive Corps Marshals for maintaining the FRSC’s high standards, which have continually pushed each administration to innovate and improve.

Mr. Mohammed, who welcomed the visit, described it as an inspiring moment for the agency. He credited Dr. Agunloye’s pioneering efforts for laying the foundation of the FRSC’s enduring success and pledged to build on this legacy.

“This visit from our first Corps Marshal is both a privilege and a challenge. It reminds us of the strong foundation on which this institution is built and encourages us to strive for even greater achievements,” Mr. Mohammed remarked.

Dr. Agunloye’s visit reinforced the enduring legacy of leadership, innovation, and excellence that has been the hallmark of the FRSC, inspiring its current team to continue setting the pace for road safety management in Africa.

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the National Assembly management, demanding immediate action on several unresolved issues concerning staff salaries and benefits.
The communique which was signed by the Presiding Officer Comrade Odo Chris M.C and Assistant Presiding Officer Comrade Helen Ejima

At a meeting held on October 14, 2024, PASAN members convened to address grievances that have persisted since 2022, including unauthorized salary deductions linked to the Contributory Pension Scheme, failure to remit tax deductions, and the non-implementation of the approved 50% CONLESS increase from 2010.

The assembly underscored the financial strain these issues have placed on staff, particularly as living costs continue to rise. Key demands include full payment of the ₦35,000 Federal Wage Award, implementation of a 25%/35% salary increase as mandated by the federal government, and resolution of outstanding allowances.

PASAN has made it clear that if the management fails to meet their demands by midnight on October 21, 2024, they will initiate indefinite industrial action, which would halt all legislative activities.

Additionally, the association condemned recent management interference in trade union activities and expressed alarm over reports of staff assaults by Department of State Services personnel at the National Assembly.

“The ongoing neglect of our rights and welfare is unacceptable,” said a PASAN representative. The association called for urgent reform and accountability from the management to ensure staff well-being.

PASAN members are prepared to mobilize for industrial action if necessary, signaling their determination to secure their rights and improve working conditions.

The senator representing the Federal Capital Territory Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, has expressed her heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the recent fire at Kaura Market in Abuja.
The devastating blaze, which occurred on Friday, August 17, destroyed 44 shops, leaving traders in despair.
Senator Kingibe has committed to facilitating the necessary support to help them recover from the disaster.

In a statement delivered by Comrade John Destiny, head of Kingibe’s Constituency Office, the senator expressed relief that no lives were lost in the tragedy. She also urged the affected traders to remain hopeful, assuring them that aid would be provided to help them rebuild their livelihoods.

The senator advised traders to be vigilant in handling electrical appliances to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Two victims, Mercy Nnamani and Chukwuemeka Nwonyi, recounted the heartbreaking moment they learned of the fire. Nwonyi described how he received a call early on Saturday morning, only to find that his fully stocked shop had been reduced to ashes. Both traders were left in shock and uncertainty, with no clear understanding of what caused the fire.

Joy Gimba, another trader whose sister lost over 250 crates of eggs in the fire, speculated that the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical surge when power was restored to the area after a blackout.

Donatus Ndukwe, the Public Relations Officer of the market, also suffered significant losses. He lost two shops—one selling plastics and the other kitchen utensils—both of which had just been restocked. Ndukwe, now facing a severe financial setback, stressed that suicide is not an option for him and called on the government, corporate bodies, and individuals to provide much-needed assistance.

The incident has left many traders in a state of distress, struggling to come to terms with their losses and uncertain about their future. Senator Kingibe’s commitment to supporting them offers a glimmer of hope as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding.