2026 Budget: Senate Commends FRSC’s Improved Professionalism, Queries Rising Personnel Costs
The Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs on Tuesday commended the improved professionalism and operational discipline of officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), even as it raised concerns over rising personnel and overhead costs in the agency’s 2026 budget proposal.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, made the remarks during an oversight engagement with the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, at the National Assembly.
Lawmakers acknowledged visible improvements in the conduct of road safety officers across the country, noting enhanced composure, discipline and structured command in field operations. The Committee described the progress as reflective of strengthened leadership and internal reforms within the Corps.
A member of the Committee, Senator Kevin representing Enugu State, particularly praised officers for their maturity in handling difficult enforcement situations, stating that measurable progress should be recognized in a climate where enforcement agencies are often subjected to criticism.
Despite the commendation, the Committee subjected the agency’s 2026 budget estimates to rigorous scrutiny. Members questioned the proposed increase in personnel costs from ₦84 billion in 2025 to ₦99.737 billion in 2026, as well as the rise in overhead from ₦10 billion to ₦26 billion.
The Committee demanded detailed justifications for the increases, including staff strength data, wage adjustments, allowance components and clarification on items reportedly reclassified under overhead.
Concerns were also raised over weak capital budget execution and the need for tangible improvements in rescue infrastructure, particularly along high-risk corridors.
On emergency response, lawmakers stressed that while enforcement standards are improving, response time to road crashes and other emergencies must be strengthened through better funding, strategically located rescue stations and modern operational equipment.
The Committee further called for enhanced collaboration between the FRSC, Fire Service, Police and the Federal Ministry of Works to address engineering defects, poor signage and other structural factors contributing to road accidents.
In response, the FRSC leadership reaffirmed its commitment to sustained reforms, continuous training of personnel and modernization of its operations to improve service delivery and public confidence.
The Committee maintained that its oversight remains constructive, aimed at reinforcing accountability while supporting institutional growth to reduce road fatalities nationwide.
