The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it plans to deploy more regular police officers to State Traffic Division (STD) in all states’ commands for effective traffic control.

CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, force spokesman, disclosed this in a telephone interview on Wednesday.

Mr Adejobi acknowledged that the number of traffic wardens officers had reduced drastically, saying there was the need to deploy regular police officers to the STD of each state command to boost traffic management.

The police spokesman added that officers to be deployed would undergo some training in traffic management to prepare them to work with traffic management agencies in states.

“In Lagos State, we have more than 2,000 regular police officers attached to STD headed by a Chief Superintendent of Police; the officers are serving under areas, divisions and state command. The state traffic management agency is also working with them.

“The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, is already working on improving the welfare of traffic wardens. He has ordered the assessment of officers as part of the pre-condition for promotion to their next ranks,” he said.

Mr Adejobi pointed out that the traffic wardens officers’ ranking differs from regular officers.

“The commitment of the IG in ensuring proper career progression in the Nigeria Police Force is evident through the establishment of a transparent promotion system, emphasis on training and capacity building, provision of professional development opportunities, and the promotion of a conducive work environment.

“These initiatives collectively empower officers to reach their full potential, enhance their capabilities, and contribute effectively to the safety and security of the nation,” he said.

Mr Adejobi said there was also a plan to review the law that created traffic wardens in the NPF, stressing that at the end of the review, wardens would be better off.

A reliable source had told journalists that there was a decline in the number of traffic wardens in Lagos State because no new officers had been recruited in recent years.

The source said some older ones retired by age or service years, while some voluntarily left the service due to poor remuneration.

Traffic Warden Service was established in 1975 as a section of the Nigeria Police Force charged with discharging functions in connection with the control and regulation of, or the enforcement of the law relating to road traffic under the direction of the police. 

(NAN)