Talking about the uniform personnel in the country, the military stands out. Both the rank and file are neatly dressed which has made the young ones want to join the military.
But as for the police which rank lowest among them all, the public perception about their appearance might have discouraged some youth from joining the Force.
In between these two are the Nigerian Security, Civil and Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Federal Fire Service (FFS) and other uniform personnel.
The first impression about any of them is the rank and file who are mostly seen by the general public and in some instances they live within the civil populace.
Most of these personnel have their senior officers neatly dressed and presentable, but very few even among the seniors, their uniforms don’t seat nice on them.
But most often than not, virtually all the rank and file do not dress well with the exclusion, again, of the military.
Do you know that not only in appearance, but also the vehicle they use tell much about each of the uniform personnel? What about their barracks, the difference is so clear; but these will be for another day’s discourse.
However, for the purpose of this write up, we shall focus on the FRSC personnel.
The essence is not to tarnish any image but to highlight shortcomings and proffer solutions.
It is without a doubt that when you see a road safety personnel, you admire their composure and presentation. But that is not the case for some time with the rank and file of road safety officers on our road now.
The junior officers who are mostly on the road checking the vehicle documents don’t carry the charisma of state agents.
As a road users, when any uniform person stops your vehicle, whether police, civil defence or road safety, your perception is how is his/her appearance and the courtesy exhibited.
If the appearance is comely, one respects such a person, but if the uniform doesn’t sit well, you are tempted to address him as he appears.
In the meantime, the FRSC is headed by a Corps Marshal who is appointed by the President with a four-year tenure renewable once.
The current Corps Marshal is the amiable workaholic and goal-getter Shehu Mohammed. He is the third career officer to head the Corps after Boboye Oyeyemi and Dauda A. Biu.
In one of his six-point agenda, the Corps Marshall has promised to look into the appearance of his men on the roads.
He said he is also disturbed and he is set to change the narrative and bring back the glory of the Corps.
While we await the change in attitude and composure of road marshall on the road, the staff must not wait until being told to dress properly.
The Corps can help out by giving more than a pair of clothing to them and where not feasible, the cost of obtaining the uniform could be subsidised.
The Corps which was created by decree 45 of 1988 has the statutory functions including but not limited to making the highways safe for motorists and other road users as well as checking road worthiness of vehicle, recommending works and infrastructure to eliminate or minimise accidents on the highways, educating motorists and members of the public on the importance of road discipline on the highways.
The Corps is the government agency with statutory responsibilities for road safety administration in Nigeria. It operates in every nook and cranny of the country. They are visible everywhere you go.
Talking about the FRSC mode of dressing is deep and a reflection of the societal expectation.
Road Safety, as it is commonly referred to, is expected by the public in which it interacts with daily on the road to appear neatly dressed.
In actual fact, the FRSC uniform is designed to be functional, visible, and distinctive.
The current uniform has been iconic and synonymous with the FRSC’s mission for many years.
Maintaining consistency and familiarity can be beneficial for their branding and public recognition. There is nowhere a personnel is spotted that is not easily identified with the Corps.
On its visibility, the colours make them highly visible on the roads, day and night.
Standardisation: The uniform presents a professional and standardised image, promoting unity and identity among personnel.
Practicality: The outfit is designed for comfort and flexibility, suitable for their physically demanding tasks.
Climate-friendly fabrics: Incorporate breathable, moisture-wicking materials for improved comfort. Considering working and serving the fatherland both in the rain and in the sun.
Overall, the FRSC uniform effectively communicates their authority, professionalism, and commitment to road safety.
While supporting the retention of the uniform, one is however asking that it would ensure personnel on the field will have more than a set of uniforms. On the brand recognition; many Nigerians associate the current uniform with the FRSC’s authority and effectiveness.
Yes, while attention is focused on their appearance, we should not lose sight of their performance.
Some citizens prioritise the FRSC’s performance and effectiveness over mode of dressing.
But the mode of dressing of most of the Marshalls on the road calls for questioning. But with the six-point agenda, there must be paradigm shift in the way Marshalls on the roads dress and address commuters.
But as the Corps Marshall has promised, we all look forward for a new appearance of Marshalls on our road.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, we are anxiously waiting for the transformation in the dress mode.
Abdul writes from Abuja via [email protected]
