The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged security agencies across Nigeria to institutionalise regular professional training for their drivers to improve road safety, operational efficiency and emergency response.

Moses Odogiyan, head of operations, FRSC, Kogi sector command, made the appeal on Friday at the closing ceremony of a three-day specialised drivers’ training programme organised by the Kogi State Security Trust Fund (KSSTF) in collaboration with the FRSC in Lokoja.

Mr Odogiyan said beyond the routine military and paramilitary training received by personnel, security drivers required continuous professional training tailored to their specialised responsibilities.

According to him,  security drivers play a critical role in conveying personnel during emergencies and other operations, making it imperative for them to possess advanced driving skills and safety knowledge.

He described the training as a rare opportunity for participants to improve their competence and urged them to apply the knowledge acquired to enhance productivity and safety within their respective organisations.

The FRSC official commended the executive chairman of the KSSTF, Omeiza Umar, for initiating the programme.

He described the initiative as timely in view of the prevailing security challenges across the country.

Mr Odogiyan noted that well-trained security drivers are essential to effective security operations, stressing that poor driving practices could undermine operational and response efforts.

He said that the training, with the theme: “Road Safety Management for Productive Security Improvement,” covered key areas including road safety management, causes and prevention of road traffic crashes, as well as executive protection.

Other topics covered in the training include intelligence-based driving techniques, unsafe driving practices, vehicle maintenance and drivers’ legal responsibilities.

He said that participants were also educated on the importance of obeying traffic laws, maintaining valid driver’s licences and complying with procedures for vehicle registration and number plate issuance.

According to him, security drivers are not above the law and must serve as role models by adhering to traffic rules and regulations.

Mr Odogiyan urged state governments and security organisations across the country to emulate the Kogi initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in strengthening national security through safer and more professional driving practices.

(NAN)