The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has taken swift disciplinary action against its Ondo State Sector Commander, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, following the emergence of a viral video showing one of its patrol vehicles operating with a dangerously worn-out tyre.

The video, which quickly gained traction on social media, sparked widespread public concern about the safety standards of the FRSC’s fleet, especially considering its role in enforcing road safety regulations across Nigeria.

In a statement released on Sunday, FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide confirmed that the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, had strongly condemned the safety violation. The incident was deemed a serious breach of the FRSC’s core operational standards.

“The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed condemns in totality, the very use of the worn-out tyre on FRSC vehicle and has ordered immediate sanctions on the Sector Commander under whose operational jurisdiction, the contravention of safety standards was registered. He further stressed that the Corps has zero tolerance to any form of negation of standards and does not condone any form of compromise against its core values."

In addition to the disciplinary action against Dr. Ibitoye, the patrol vehicle involved will be penalized for the safety infraction, with the Sector Commander personally held responsible for the oversight.

“It is therefore apt to remind the motoring public that the Federal Road Safety Corps remains a pace-setter amongst agencies in Nigeria, for high level observance of quality standards, especially when it comes to vehicle maintenance, and will continue to enhance on the mileages achieved over the years in that regard.”

The FRSC also reiterated its dedication to maintaining the highest standards for vehicle upkeep, assuring the public that it remains at the forefront of road safety advocacy in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Corps has pledged to enhance its oversight of field operations to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols nationwide.

This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny on the FRSC and its responsibility to uphold road safety standards, especially with its prominent role in monitoring Nigeria’s highways.