Abuja: The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to revise its policies to better accommodate and empower female drivers across Nigeria. This announcement was made during the inaugural 'Women on Wheels' summit held in Abuja, where the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, emphasized the initiative's role as a transformative platform for promoting gender inclusion, skill development, and safety. The Corps Marshal was represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Clement Oladele.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the FRSC has identified gaps in its Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) which previously lacked tailored provisions for women. The Corps is now addressing this issue to ensure greater inclusivity. Mohammed highlighted the importance of instilling safe driving habits in women, noting that as of January 2025, there are 1,225,704 licensed female drivers in Nigeria, with potential for higher numbers when unlicensed drivers are considered. He underscored the urgency of reducing road traffic injuries, a leading cause of death among young people aged five to 29 years.
Mohammed expressed concern over the prevalence of informal driving training among women, urging them to attend certified driving schools under the Driving School Standardisation Programme (DSSP) for comprehensive safety understanding. He described 'Women on Wheels' as a movement aimed at empowering women to challenge outdated norms and contribute to road safety and national development. Mohammed also announced plans to make 'Women on Wheels' an annual event, providing ongoing support and training for women in mobility.
FRSC has already recruited female drivers into its operational team and is encouraging more women to view driving as a dignified vocation. The agency is committed to reviewing the programme's outcomes for potential inclusion in future policy decisions, recognizing women as careful and responsible drivers who can lead in transportation and road safety.
The President of the Road Safety Officers Wives Association (ROSOWA), Dr. Nafisat Shehu-Mohammed, announced plans to extend the 'Women on Wheels' programme to the grassroots, aiming to reach more women with road safety education and empowerment. She emphasized the importance of reaching rural women, who may lack access to digital platforms, to improve awareness of road safety and licensing requirements.
In a goodwill message, Mrs. Ednah Azura, President of the National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS), pledged to expand the initiative's reach through nationwide mobilisation and advocacy. Azura described the event as a landmark step in empowering Nigerian women, particularly in transport and road safety, and urged women to become more informed and proactive in various areas, including politics.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 'Women on Wheels' campaign, initiated by ROSOWA with the FRSC's Corps Transport Safety Office, aims to reduce the number of unlicensed and untrained female drivers on Nigerian roads through advocacy, training, and support programmes.