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.

Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has flaggedoff the distribution of approximately 900 metric tonnes of 30 trucks of assorted fertilizers to farmers in the territory.

A statement by the special Adviser to FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue quoted the minister at the flag off ceremony held in Abuja, to have revealed that the assorted fertilizers were donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMA&FS) to the FCT Administration for distribution to farmers in the nation’s capital.
The minister also indicated that the event was manifestation of the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic response with a view to addressing the global challenge of food shortages.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by the populace regarding the high cost of food items, Mahmoud expressed the commitment of the Administration to proactively implement measures to address the situation.

“As you may recall, within the past two months, we have undertaken several initiatives to enhance food production. In collaboration with the World Bank and Islamic Development Bank, we achieved a significant milestone by providing farmers with a comprehensive range of agricultural inputs. 

“Building on this success, we also successfully distributed the palliatives approved by Mr. President, bringing much-needed relief and succor to the residents of the FCT,” she stressed.

She, however, assured that the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat has fully adhered to the distribution guidelines outlined by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) which includes the setting up of a broad-based Ad-hoc committee to strategize and come up with distribution plans that would ensure the fertilizers reach the intended beneficiaries.

The minister expressed gratitude to partners for their support in training of Agricultural Extension Agents and farmers, stressing that the administration is committed to sustaining this synergy and continuing the efforts to empower agricultural stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.

The minister used the occasion to call on FCT residents, particularly the youth population, to take advantage of the vast arable land that the FCT is blessed with and venture into agriculture, no matter how small.

On his part, the Mandate Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Hon. Lawan Kolo Geidam, noted that the donation from the Central Bank of Nigeria; was apt and timely response to mitigate the adverse impact of the current global food crisis, exacerbated by climate change, low production, and high prices on Nigerians. 

He further stressed that the intervention was also an unequivocal reaffirmation of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to his Renewed Hope Agenda, part of which prioritizes agricultural revitalization by empowering farmers with essential inputs.

“We are optimistic that the substantial quantity of fertilizers generously provided will yield a remarkable outcome, culminating in a bumper harvest this year, thereby enhancing food availability, improved nutrition, economic growth, and overall well-being of FCT residents,” he added. 

Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Grace Adayilo, noted that the importance of agriculture in human livelihood cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital source of food and economic prosperity for communities.

Adayilo assured that the fertilizers would be distributed to genuine farmers saying, “I want to assure you that the people you see here today, are farmers that have been certified by the committee as genuine farmers who have been in their different ways, adding value to the food production systems in the FCT.”

She further assured that the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat would continue to implement measures to enhance the capacities of the extension agents across the 62 wards of the FCT.