*The Federal Road Safety Corps explains the regulatory agency’s vehicles database has contributed immensely to enforcement of traffic laws and resolution of major national security issues in Nigeria

Alexander Davis |   ConsumerConnect

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advocated targeted enforcement to ensure that unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles plying the the Nigerian roads get licensed and captured in the regulatory agency’s national database.

Mr. Hyginus Fuomsuk, Deputy Corps Marshal, (DCM) in charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, stated this during the FRSC 8th valedictory lecture series and pull out parade Friday, May 27, 2022, in Abuja, FCT.

Fuomsuk retired from the FRSC as a Deputy Corps Marshal last Friday.

The theme of the valedictory lecture series was entitled: “National Uniform Licensing Scheme and National Security: An Appraisal”.

In his valedictory lecture, Fuomsuk stated that National Drivers Licence (NDL) database was one of the pride of the Corps and the country, as it provides reliable information.

He also noted the initiative has also contributed immensely to the enforcement of traffic laws and resolution of major national security issues in the country.

However, Fuomsuk lamented that failure of the public and individuals to accept changes that came with the implementation of the scheme had become a major challenge.

Though the Corps activities has since gone digital and computerised, several states are still analogue and find it difficult to link their activities directly to the Corps’ central database as expected.

According to him, this is especially as it concerns upload of vehicle information and owners’ details.

Fuomsuk further said: “The state has completely left the burden of enlightenment and enforcement of the laws and rules that promotes the implementation of the scheme of the Corps.

“This has led to the continuous operation of vehicles on the road without proper registration, prominently among motorcycle and tricycle operators.

“This is why there should be an aggressive enforcement, advocacy and enlightenment to create awareness for the public and help get proper vehicle data.”

The retired DCM stressed there should also be a law to make vehicle and drivers information a matter of national security.

This, he said, should be with the power to mandate any holder of such information to submit same to the Corps for proper warehousing in the National database.

Fuomsuk also stated: “Aside from relevant security information which the National Uniform Licensing Scheme (NULS) data provide, it is sure an untapped huge source of information for National Planning.

“This is in particular as it relates to vehicle population and budgetary planning regarding fuel consumption.”

He advised careful implementation and follow ups on the above recommendations to tackle the challenges would help in enhancing the successes of the scheme in Nigeria.

Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of FRSC, speaking at the forum, described Fuomsuk as an achiever and visionary leader.

The Corps’ Marshal noted that his contributions to the growth of the Corps were unquantifiable.

The retired DCM’s integrity, steadfastness and hard work led to his various appointments in the FRSC, stated Dr. Oyeyemi.

He said: “Your contributions when you were in the NULS Lagos both as staff officer and Assistant Director in charge of all the workstations were remarkable.

“I want to assure you that all the noble tasks that we commenced together will be given more vigour.

“The fight against corruption and all forms of malfeasance in the system will be sustained with the zeal that it deserved.”