05 insight may 11

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 6

MAY 2011 EDITION

INSIGHT NEWSLETTER INSIGHT YOUR WINDOW TO KNOWING A LITTLE ABOUT EVERYTHING I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : D a n g e r s a s s o c i a t e d w i t h o v e r s p e e d i n g

3

Distorted incentives: barrier to national development‖ II

5

Stress and stress management

11

III

14

Little things and our KPIs Exclusive interview with Usman Sani RMI

16

A Story: Listen and live

21

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH USMAN SANI RMI, A STAFF OF RS8.34, ZARIAGI UNIT COM-

And more

MAND

Editorial Board

Publisher: Osita Chidoka Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Editor–In– Chief: OC Oladele (DCC) Editor: KD Alegieuno (ARC) Members: VO Ogunnupebi

(ACC)

AR Obagbemiro

(SRC)

CB Nwokolo

ARC)

DO Enakireru

(ARC)

0I Ikoku

(ARC)

SHOCKWAVE: THE WORLD ‗S FASTEST TRUCK

The Road Safety Club is the 3rd The Road Safety Club tier of the FRSC‘s Tripod with a is the 3rd tier of the total membership of 39,133 FRSC‘s Tripod. Total comprising 26,406 from primembership is 39,133 mary and secondary schools while 12,727 are NYSC members

The winner of Insight Newsletter Quiz competition, Odoh O Emmanuel (PRM) of Corps Audit Office, RSHQ receiving his cash prize of N5,000 from PAU

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I N S I G H T

F R O M

T H E

E D I T O R - I N - C H I E F

most cases, the team do de-

class organization.

liver. Interestingly, the fan

As a knowledge driven organiza-

does not benefit from the

tion, you should know about the

match bonus paid to the

world‘s fastest truck, whose

players of the team he supports. In any case he does not bother, he only wants his team to win and he Have you ever wondered why relationship is very complex to comprehend?.

Like an unrepentant soccer enthusiast who this moment is joyous as his team is winning a crucial match can also surprisingly within a twinkle become sober and sorrowful as his team loses the same match . Relationship is similar to soccer, and thrives on trust. When trust is lacking in a relationship, it becomes like a broken mirror, which when mended, may still be able to reflect an image but, the fissures would always show.

For an enthusiastic footfall

N E W S L E T T E R

trusts they would make him happy by winning.

Usman, the Marshal featured in this edition as model to other staff is like a soccer enthusiast that wants his team , the FRSC

speed is equivalent to that of an aircraft. You will read this and many others in this edition.

The concluding part of the Corps Marshals lecture on ‗‘ Distorted incentives: barrier to national development‖ is served in this edition.

The transformation process of the Corps is being modeled by other agencies. The National Electricity Regulatory Agency recently invited the Corps to

to always win. Usman em-

share its best practices and

barked on certain tasks in

the presentation can be found

his command, Zariagi in Kogi State, even though those chores were not palatable and not within his primary schedules. He believes that

in this edition. The driving test story is a compulsory read in knowing why it is necessary and what different countries expect from prospective driving license applicants.

by doing them the Corps

The newsletter is enlarged to

could transform into a world

accommodate a section dedi-

class organization. Can the

cated to the youths and Road

Corps count on you in its transformation process of becoming a world class or-

Safety Club. Road Safety Club Members as the third tier of the Corps tripod are enjoined to take advantage of this and

fan, he has full trust in his

ganization? Like a football

team, even in the face of

player, you are the direct

defeat. The soccer fan

beneficiary of the value

management and the plight of

claps, sings and cheers his

added if the Corps truly

the physically challenged con-

team to forge on and in

transforms into a world

make entries for publication.

The other regulars like stress

tinue in this edition.

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DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH OVER SPEEDING

YAKUBU MOHAMMAD (ACC) UNIT COMMANDER JEGA

The term ―Over speeding‖ is used as a label to describe the behaviour of drivers moving at a speed considered too fast for the prevailing conditions (inappropriate

driving at a speed higher than specified by the posted speed limits speed) or

(excess speed).

Over Speeding is restricted to excess speed. It is by far the most frequent and prevalent road traffic offence. Speed is one of the few forms of driver‘s behaviour for which a clear and consistent relationship between behaviour, in terms of average speed, and the number of crashes has been established.

This is prevalent in the North – West especially among ―starlet‖ drivers.

Over speeding is the most common and the most severe road safety problem. Both crash frequency and crash severity increases as the vehicle speed increases. In Nigeria the safest speed limit for cars on an express road is 100km/hr. Any vehicle moving at this specified speed limit is covering a total of 2.7m in 1sec, approximately 3m/ sec.

While driving, there are two issues that come to the mind of the driver when an object is sighted ahead.

There is the thinking distance and breaking distance which allows the driver to think of what action to take and the judgement he arrives at by stepping on his brake pedal to avoid crash. All these actions take place within 3 seconds. Therefore the driver is expected to have covered 8.4m and the total width of Nigerian High way is less than 10m.

The potential for crash and injury reduction is substantial. The probability of a pedestrian fatality at an impact speed of 50 km/hr is about 85 per cent, while at an impact speed of 30 km/hr is less than 10 per cent (Anderson et al., 1997). A model proposed by Finch et al.

(1994) indicates that for every 1 km/hr increase in the mean traffic speed, crashes increased by about 3 per cent, that is to say the higher the speed the higher the crash.

A recent meta-analysis of 36 studies on speed limit changes indicates that at initial levels above 50 km/hr (mostly outside built-up areas) a crash reduction of 2 per cent for every km/hr the average speed is reduced (Elvik, Mysen and Vaa, 1997). Speed limit changes from 50 km/hr to levels below 50 km/hr (mostly within built-up areas) seem to reduce crashes by approximately 4 per cent for every 1 km/hr decrease in average speed (Vaa, 1997), it is therefore wise to reduce speed in town or villages along the highways.

The essence of the problem of over speeding is that the driver rarely experiences a negative outcome of such action, and as a result, many

accepting that over speeding can be dangerous (Corbett, Simon and O‘Connell 1998).

However, driving fast has rewarding effects; travel time is reduced and fatigue is equally avoided. A lot of drivers enjoy speed, drivers may feel the sensation and excitement associated with higher speeds, and experience rewarding emotions when demonstrating skill and mastery especially to teenagers (Fuller, 1991, Zaal, 1994 and ETSC, 1995).

Over speeding is embedded with negative consequences, such as the perceived crash risk, feelings of insecurity, or perceived risk of apprehension which fails to outweigh the positive experiences associated with it.

Therefore, with all the above findings it is pertinent to note that while on excess speed, the driver does not have regard for pedestrians which include children below the ages of 12, the elderly people who have poor judgment of distance of approaching vehicles likewise mad men and animals that can jump on to the highway at any point in time and making it difficult for the driver to avoid them or control his vehicle in such circumstances. At dangerous speed of 140km the car is covering an approximate distance of 4m/sec,

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DO YOU KNOW THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH OVER SPEEDING? in a nut shell the higher the speed the more the chances of getting crashed.

What then will one say to his creator for being the cause of the death of fellow humans? You can agree with me that SPEED KILLS and it can be avoided. It is a matter of choice.

So, make the right choice by driving within the prescribed speed limit!!!

References 1. ANDERSON, R.W.G., MCLEAN, A.J., FARMER, J.B., LEE, B.H., & BROOKS, C.G. (1997). Vehicle travel speeds and the incidence of fatal pedestrian crashes.

Accid.Anal & Prev, Vol. 29, No 5, pp 667-674.

2. CORBETT, C., SIMON, F., & O‘CONNELL, M. (1994). The deterrence of high speed driving: a criminological perspective. TRL Report 296. Crowthorne, TransportResearch Laboratory.

3. ELVIK, R.; MYSEN, A. B. & VAA, T. (1997) Trafikksikkerhetshåndbok.

Tredjeutgave. Oslo, Transportøkonomisk institutt (Handbook of Traffic Safety. Third edition. In Norwegian only).

4.ETSC (1995) Reducing Traffic Injuries Resulting from Alcohol Impairment.

Brussels, European Transport Safety Council.

5.FINCH, D.J., KOMPFNER, P., LOCKWOOD, C.R., & MAYCOCK, G. (1994).

Speed,speed limits and accidents. Project Report 58 S211G/RB. Crowthorne, Transport Research Laboratory.

6.FULLER, R. (1991). The modification of individual road user behaviour. In: Koornstra. M.J. and Christensen, J (eds): Enforcement and Rewarding – Strategies and Effects. Proceedings of the International Road Safety

140 KILOMETERS PER HOUR? THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE! I HAVE ONLY BEEN DRVING FOR 10 MINUTES!

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5 II “DISTORTED INCENTIVES: BARRIER TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”

Here is the concluding

businesses are neither cap-

a 30% corporate tax.

tured on data for tax payment

part on ―Distorted Incentives: Barrier to Na-

But in Nigeria, there are

tional Development‖ pre-

inadequate

sented by the Corps

tures in place to tackle

Marshal at an award

this distortion, and the

ceremony held at the

result is that higher pro-

tax

struc-

ductivity is not encour-

Kuti Hall, University of

aged

Ibadan on Saturday 17

thereby

making

July 2010.

those who pay taxes feel

Inheritance tax is used

In the UK5 for instance,

in

most

economies

to

avoid distortion of incentives. A distorted incentive structure is the biggest dampener of innovation, creativity and real economic growth.

In Nigeria a land allocation in a state capital automatically

tion that confers on him high net worth which can be resold immediately, without any tax, for full profit. In Abuja that can translate to hundreds of millions which is usually the profit of industries about

200

staff and with turnover ranging in the billions and

taxed. This distortion is a disincentive to productivity and one of the causes of business failure in the country as business owners turn to speculation for survival. (c)

Attitude of Public Sec-

tor

Managers

to

National

Values:

Capital Gain Tax grew to 28% in 2010 and are ef-

Another area of national dis-

fectively collected when-

tortion is in our educational

ever due. However in Ni-

system where children and

geria, the Capital Gains

wards of senior public offi-

Tax Act of 1967 charges

cers and captains of indus-

10%

gains

tries no longer attend public

from disposed capital as-

schools. In the 70s and early

on

capital

6

sets .

80s when children of public

empowers

the allottee in a transac-

employing

exploited by the system.

nor are they commensurably

office holders attended public Even though the rate has not been reviewed upward, administering the tax has been difficult.

Speculative

buying

stocks

properties

and

continue

to

thrive

in as

speculators easily evade payment. Because of poor tax administration in the country, companies

many

taxable

and

private

schools, there were noticeable commitments to appropriatelyfund public schools and invest in improving public infrastructures. Public schools, including the elitist ones like Kings

College,

Queens

Schools, Igbobi College, CKC, Onitsha, etc, were centres of academic excellence and their products could compete favourably

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“DISTORTED INCENTIVES: BARRIER TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”

with

their

international sanctions and in most counterparts. The emer- cases rewarded for non-

Recruitment into public employment in this

gence of a public sector delivery of public goods that lost direction and na- continue to enjoy the dis-

tional pride resulted in torted incentives that are their exporting of their the hallmark of our new

wards to foreign schools national experience. and the consequent decay (d) Poor recruitment of public schools.

of us with the increasing is a recruitment strategy cases of examination mal- that primarily distorts practices and mass failure the incentive structure of in SSCE, NECO and JAMB the country. Recruitment examinations. Today, in into public employment in our universities the best this country has become can

be an elite scramble for pafound in banks, oil compa- tronage, where quotas are nies and lately, telecom- filled by high networth

only

munication industries. The individuals to the detriabsence of outcome- ment of the qualified, but based evaluation of public ―non-connected‖ candiservants has ensured an dates. We are witness to almost

col- the macabre situation lapse of the social sector. where the engine of our

irreversible

Again we see that the national development public sector managers, the public service is pro-

without skin in the game, gressively degenerating , have lost the incentive where incentive strucfor

positive

elite scramble for patronage, where quotas are filled by high networth individuals to the detriment of the

system

The prolonged neglect has At the root of the coltoday caught up with all lapse of our public sector

graduates

country has become an

outcomes. tures does not recognise Public office holders free and reward excellence from social or legal and where poor perform-

qualified, but ―nonconnected‖

ers are occupying highly sensitive offices and are in

the

commanding

heights of certain economic sectors which they run in a manner that has no

regard

for

compe-

tence.

It is trite that a beneficiary of a system nurtured

on

incompetence

would perpetrate the continuation of such system till the entire system is compelled

to

collapse.

This definitely cannot be the way Nigeria of the next century would be managed. ful

Most success-

countries,

at

least

economically, like America, or indeed South

VOLUME

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Page 7 “DISTORTED INCENTIVES: BARRIER TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”

Korea

usually

are

youthful imagination. He

we find in our nation today

founded

on

innovation

was able to manage the

unfortunately are growing

and promotion of merito-

small

Bank

spate of youth restiveness

rious placement of skilful

with great dreams from

and kidnapping especially in

manpower that are com-

only one location in Lagos

the South East of the

mensurately

though with heavy in-

country.

remuner-

investment

ated.

vestment in modern in-

It is the totality of

frastructure,

these

that

advisory mandates and

have run the economy of

crop of young talented

our nation aground. The

Nigerian Bankers.

current national experi-

Bank has since trans-

ence

country

formed into a mega Pan

when compared to what

African financial empire

obtained about 25 years

with global network and

ago could be as dismal as

expertise,

it is frustrating. Take

Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC-

the case of Atedo Peter-

a subsidiary of Standard

side, who at the age of

Bank of South Africa.

36 years in 1989 and

The question today is do

with the sum of five hun-

young Nigerians have the

dred

Dollars

incentive structure and

(from which he person-

value system to create

ally raised 20% of the

another

shared capital) was able

side?.

to establish IBTC Bank.

rian youths at the age of

By 1996, IBTC was re-

36 can raise 20% of N25

sponsible for 80% of the

billion required to start a

major merger and acqui-

bank?.

sition transactions in the

therefore exposes us to

country totalling N 10.5

the

distortions

of

the

thousand

lucrative

The

known

Atedo

as

Peter-

How many Nige-

Atedo‘s

fact

that

case youths

bllion .

with talents when given

Peterside‘s story is phe-

the right opportunity can

7

nomenal and inspirational to the possibilities of

perform creatively. But in contrast to this, what

While the trend is fast spreading to other parts of the

country,

there

has

been no concrete effort to curtail it or bring the culprits to book. In the same vein, no adequate measures are in place to punish those who pay the ransom; creating a situation where the perpetrators see the act as a means of getting easy money or a lucrative business with a low risk factor.

This has caused the collapse of economic activities and social life which may take another 25 years for us to recover from.

The Brazilian Experience Brazil, a third world country like Nigeria and Malaysia, were all predicted, in the early 1960s, to turn into

economic

giants.

Through right incentives

7

V O L U M E

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I S S U E

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“DISTORTED INCENTIVES: BARRIER TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”

and economic management, Brazil and Malaysia were able to get out of economic

woods,

still

leaving us at a cross road. At the height of world economic meltdown in 2009, Brazil loaned $19 billion USD to the IMF to bail out some countries that were experiencing economic recession. This was the same

country

which

eleven years earlier, had borrowed $42billion USD from IMF. This shows how

the

country

had

been able to manage its economic situation within the years we were rated as economic equals. Even this year, the Brazilian

Not Happen By Chance‖

depressing since there is

The state is the first in

not much to cheer like

Brazil to receive a Stan-

Brazil because the fu-

dard

ture looks bleak; unem-

and

Poor

―Investment grade‖ rat-

ployment

ing. The state‘s strong

graduates is high; educa-

administration during the

tional institutions have

last

years

become derelict; and ac-

(emphasis mine) was one

cess to credit by the

of the reasons the rating

productive forces is very

was granted. While we

limited, as it is based on

wonder how a country

conditions that many en-

that was bailed out by

terprising youths cannot

IMF

meet. The Brazilian ex-

three

with

$42billion

could in eleven

years

young

ample is to show you that

loan IMF $19billion we

it can be done.

stand amazed that Rio

that many enterprising

de Janeiro in three years

youths cannot meet. The

got

Brazilian example is to

an

―investment

grade‖ rating from S & P.

show you that it can be

Indeed

done.

great

achieve-

ments do not just happen.

economy is expected to grow by 8%. The country

From this analysis, it is

has

capitalised

clear that it is possible

banks. Bank credit grew

to transform a country in

by 18 % while its retail

10years from a debtor to

sales grew by 30% in

a net creditor, rebuild

March 2010. Unemploy-

its state regulatory ca-

ment in the country has

pacity and grow its do-

reduced significantly.

mestic market through

An Advert by the state

the real economy.

of Rio de Janeiro reads

For you gentlemen

―Great Achievements Do

Kuti Hall, this may sound

well

among

THE WAY OUT Even with the seemingly gloomy picture of our national development that I have painted above, we cannot totally surrender to

cynicism,

otherwise

we would not be present here to engage intellectually in discussing the common issues affecting

of

us as a nation and attempting to find

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I N S I G H T

N E W S L E T T E R

“DISTORTED INCENTIVES: BARRIER TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”

sustainable

solu-

to make sure their

ting themselves.

tions to the prob-

society

lems.

great.

therefore, proffer

Secondly,

This nation must as

the following rec-

should be a credi-

a matter of na-

ommendations

ble reward system

tional priority set

that

for itself a value

consideration

system that is citi-

differences in our

zens‘ - attractive

endowments,

need to set core

and

ents

value system for

enough

the nation. No so-

people readily sac-

compromising

the

ciety

rifice

need

bal-

I

would

as

the way out: First,

there

is

develops

become

acceptable to

make

their

lives

there

takes

into the tal-

and

flair,

without necessarily for

a

without a set of

and comfort for.

anced

values over which

Like the Japanese

This way the fears

its citizens would

whose fear of re-

of the proponents

be ready and will-

colonisation

of quota system or

ing

came the source of

federal

their comfort, lei-

their

would be allayed.

sure and personal

to

interests

towards

technology

which

live in a country

attaining and sus-

today has

trans-

with diverse peo-

taining. As hedon-

formed them into

ples who needed to

istic as human be-

an enviable nation.

be

accommodated

ings are, there are

Nigeria must con-

in

the

various

examples

struct a set of val-

scheme of things,

of people going be-

ues to which people

superimposing the

yond the level of

would be emotion-

quota system with-

human

ally, culturally and

out regard to its

to work in order to

spiritually

implications on the

satisfy their reli-

tached, the attain-

intellectual,

gious beliefs, na-

ment

of

nical

tional

should

drive

to

sacrifice

endurance

ethos

economic

or

interest

be-

commitment science

and

atwhich the

citizens to commit-

Unemployment in Nigeria: the biggest worry

federation.

Granted

character that we

and

Brazilian Economy has drastically improved leaving behind some of its 3rd World counterparts like Nigeria

national

techeduca-

tional capability of the people will

The IMF which was created in the year 1945 is aimed at maintaining international monetary stability

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“DISTORTED INCENTIVES: BARRIER TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”

only erode merit and enthrone mediocrity, which is not good for our national development. Creating the balance between inclusiveness and merit – driven society is now a national imperative.

ones must be responsible and responsive to the electorate, whose interests must be jealously guarded and protected. This is where the issue of credible electoral system

Thirdly, the youths who are the leaders

that guarantees the sanctity of peo-

of tomorrow must be made to have con-

ple‘s votes comes in. The promise of

fidence in the nation‘s systems by en-

credible electoral system by the

suring that their specific interests are

government in next year‘s elections

taken into consideration in any plan for

and the growing clamour for elec-

national development. The struggle for

toral reform are evidence of peo-

this should start from our educational

ple‘s consciousness on issues of

institutions and how they are run, to

election. On the economic front, we

avoid the kind of distortions that pro-

have another golden opportunity

duce youths who pay no allegiance to the

through Vision 20:2020 to make Ni-

system having not felt its impact in

geria become an economic giant. The

their upbringing and development.

Vision does not belong to govern-

Fourthly, there is need for an overhaul

ment officials alone. It is a collec-

of our educational and other systems of

tive dream to make our dear nation

learning to create harmony in the sys-

great. The Federal Government, due

tem. The incongruence that exists be-

to the decay in infrastructure re-

tween our educational system and devel-

quires N23 trillion ($153.3 billion

opment system does not go well with the

USD)8 to fund the Vision. Interest-

course for national development, as this

ingly this amount is equivalent to

incoherence creates a situation where

what China spent to host the last

there are no relationships between our

Olympics in Beijing. Vision 20:2020

institutions of learning and the produc-

is predicated on a projection of

tive sectors of the society. Unless this

making per capita income $4,000,

is done, the investments the government

growing Nigeria‘s current GDP of

is making in the educational sectors may

$175 billion to $900 billion by 2020,

not translate to national development.

thus making our GDP at par with Brazil, Russia and Canada of today.

Finally, we must recognise that leadership is a social trust; and the elected

Equally, population growth is expected to rise from 140million to

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200million and electricity generation to grow from 3,759 megawatts to

60,000 megawatts.

The current 8million registered Vehicle popula-

Stress and stress management III Dr Aiyudu,DI (CRC) HOU,NHIS RSHQ MEDICAL CENTRE

tion is also projected to grow to about 40million in 2020.

As youths,

whose future can only be assured in a Nigeria of great

opportunities,

what role are you going to play in facilitating the attainment of this Vision?

In conclusion, I believe we need to restore the right incentive structure if

we

really

aim

to

achieve the vision of development. We must curb rent

seeking,

speculative

reduce

investment,

enthrone outcome-based performance evaluation, sanction

corruption

of

processes, systems and finances

and

promote

merit. These are critical building pillars for national development.

Thank you for your attention

1 1

6

W H A T C A M A N A G E R S O E M P L O Y E R D O T O R E D U C S T R E S S A W O R K ?

N R S E T

to help workers with personal problems that may be adversely affecting their onthe-job performance. The confidential services include counseling, mental health assessment and referrals, workshops on topics such as time management and relaxation, and legal and financial assistance.

A. Organizational change While EAPs can be very beneStress on the job creates ficial to workers, the relief high costs for businesses they provide may be superfiand institutions, reducing cial and short-lived if impormorale, productivity, and tant root causes of stress in earnings. Clearly, it is in the work environment are not every employer‘s best interaddressed. Lasting stress ests—fiscal and otherwise— reduction is brought about to reduce workplace stress by institutional change. as much as possible. Busi―Managers are the key holdnesses can lower and prevent ers of corporate culture,‖ Mijob stress through two chael Peterson, a professor methods: at University of Delaware,  Stress management protold FDU magazine. ―They grams and training for emperpetuate it.‖ While stress ployees. management techniques like  Organizational changes yoga are great, he said, ―if that improve working your boss is draconian, exerconditions. cise is not going to help.‖ A.Stress Management No meaningful job or workNearly half of large Ameriplace is, or should be excan corporations provide pected to be, stress-free. their employees with stress However, less stress occurs management training and Em- when a business or institution ployee Assistance Programs encourages (EAPs). EAPs are designed to

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Stress and stress management III employee participation from the bottom up, implements policies that take employee needs into account, and empowers employees to do their best.

Look at the table below for a list of ways in which an organization can foster low levels of job stress and high levels of productivity: Improve communication  Share information with employees to reduce uncertainty about their jobs and futures. 

Clearly define employees‘ roles and responsibilities.



Make communication friendly and efficient, not meanConsult your employees 

Give workers opportunities to participate in deci-

sions that affect their jobs. 

Consult employees about scheduling and work rules.



Be sure the workload is suitable to employees‘ abili-

ties and resources; avoid unrealistic deadlines. 

Show that individual workers are valued.

Offer rewards and incentives  Praise good work performance verbally and institutionally. 

Provide opportunities for career development.



Promote an ―entrepreneurial‖ work climate that gives

Hyperstress is the type of negative stress that comes when a person is f o r c e d t o undertake or undergo more than he or she can take. A stressful job that overworks an individual will cause that individual to face hyperstress.

Cultivate a friendly social climate 

Provide opportunities for social interaction among em-

ployees. 

Establish a zero-tolerance policy for harassment.



Make management actions consistent with organiza-

TO BE CONCLUDED IN THE NEXT EDITION

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THE WORLD‘S FASTEST TRUCK

The world‘s fastest truck is capable of gathering a maximum speed of 605km per hour!

The truck is said to be powered by three jet engines that generate 36,000 horsepower.

The powerful engine is similar to the one installed in the T2A Buckeye plane of the US Navy.

As it uses the engine of a plane, it is capable of compet-

12 metres wide!

Imagine that there are fifty of these trucks on Nigerian roads; would they ever get to their destination running at 303km per hour which is estimated to be halve of shockwave‘s maximum speed? With the increasing rate of road

ing with a plane in terms of

traffic crashes and its as-

speed. The truck which is

sociated problems do you

called shockwave is said to be

think we need the fastest

faster than a plane. This was

truck on our roads? The

observed during an air show.

answer is emphatic NO!

In Nigeria the speed limit for a truck/tanker as stipulated by the Nigeria Highway Code is 45km per hour on build-up area, 50km per hour on the highway and 60km per hour on the expressway. One begins to wonder where a truck with maximum speed limit of 605km per hour will fit in.

If at 100km per hour, a vehicle moves at 28 metres per second on a road that is less than 12 metres wide then at 605km per hour, shockwave will be moving at 168 metres per second on a road that is less than

If at 100km per hour, a vehicle moves at 28 metres per second on a road that is less than 12 metres wide then at 605km per hour, shockwave will be moving at 168 metres per second on a road that is less than 12 metres wide !

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LITTLE THINGS AND OUR KPIS (Praise for Usman Sani RMI) B Y

A l e g i e u n o

K D

( A R C )

not part of my KPI,‖ you mutter under your breath.

The every day staff always finds it convenient and okay to work within the range of his KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) nothing more instead something less.

Those who gets promoted are those who know the value of going extra miles.

For those who unceasingly search for a place in the hands of destiny, time has a way of putting on their faces a lasting smile. The path to finding this great treasury may be bathed with thorns but the prize is always worth the efforts. Sometimes it does not take much to take the prize. All that life demands of us is to go an extra mile by doing those little things.

How many times have you come to the office and see something that needed a little fixing only for you to turn your face the other way. ―That is-

straw, he did not allow the wind of discouragement to swallow the petals of his dream, neither did he allow the rain of hopelessness to wash it towards the delta of stillness. Today, Usman Sani is smiling, thanks to the Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka who strongly be-

One of such men who had

lieved in hard work and

his destiny handed to him is

dedication. He directed

marshal Usman Sani of the Zariagi Unit Command. Marshal Usman Sani did not build a space ship, he did not buy a tow truck for the

that Usman Sani be promoted from RMII to RMI. However, Usman Sani

Corps and he was not among

would still have been in a

the men who discovered the

bottle but for his Unit

river Niger in order to

Commander, AA Awodi

boost trade in the African

(ACC) who saw something

continent.

in him and decided to give

He is a staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps like you and me who has learnt to colour his Command by going beyond his KPIs. He strongly believes that by going an extra mile he would be able to make a little difference. When he started building his bridge with

him a place in the sun.

According to the Unit Commander, having a positive impart in the life of Usman Sani was the highest point in his career.

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LITTLE THINGS AND OUR KPIS (Praise for Usman Sani RMI)

The Unit Commander‘s

As the Corps gears to-

imagination! Let us do

display of magnanimity

ward becoming a world

something more. I know

by pushing Usman‘s ac-

class organisation as well

there are more Usmans

tivities to the tables of

as reducing road traffic

out there waiting to be

crashes by 50% we all

discovered.

the Corps Marshal through the appropriate channels shows one great trait of good leadership.

must buckle up our shoes and jump above our KPIs for the future is bright even beyond our wildest

DID YOU KNOW THAT ?

Lesotho is 1 of 3 world‘s enclaves, an enclave is a country located within the borders of another country

Sudan has 233 pyramids with 85 pyramids more than those found in Egypt

Gambia has Africa‘s smallest mainland with 11, 300 square kilometres

Soweto in South Africa is the only town in the entire world that currently houses two Nobel laureates; Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH USMAN SANI RMI Sometimes we are not prepared for what will change our lives forever. For Marshal Usman Sani who was recently promoted by the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Osita Chidoka from the rank of RMII to RMI knows better what I am talking about. Those little things we do, the extra miles we take when carrying out our duties will one day be the stepping stone that will take us to high heavens.

Usman Sani is one humble Marshal whose heart and mind is in his job. He is always thinking on how to make things better in his own little way. With such actions came reward that changed his world.

Recently, INSIGHT crew visited RS8.34 Zariagi Unit Command where they had an exclusive interview with Usman Sani. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

IN: May we meet you?

U S: My name is Usman Sani from the family of Mohammed Abubarkar Sani. I am from kano State.

IN: Tell us about your educational background US: I started my primary education at the Babangida Special Primary School in Taroni Local Government Area. thereafter, I proceeded to Sabon Kofar Secondary School then went further to at-

tend Government Technical College, Kano. I obtained a Diploma in Building Technology & Quantity Survey at the Kano State Polytechnic. I later obtained Advanced Diploma in Public Administration at the Bayero University.

Just when I was about to pursue a degree programme at the same University I got employment with the Federal Road Safety Corps. I had to forfeit the admission for the job.

IN: What is your duty in the command?

US: I am presently the acting HOD Logistics as well as an Operational staff IN: We heard that you embarked on several projects in your command. Tell us about some of these projects US: I started by finding a use for a water container which was disposed off.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH USMAN SANI RMI

I have the technical knowledge to fix them. I also discovered that the generator had not been serviced since it was installed. I approached the UC with the problem. He approved the money for the general service I acquired the oil but did the service myself hence saving the office the cost of labour.

When the UC saw me dismantled the plant he was shocked but at the end I Marshal Usman Sani in the plant house

fixed it and the lights were brighter than before. At that point he directed that I should teach two other Marshals on how to maintain the generator which

I made holes around it and turned it into a waste bin. That was when the Command was thinking of purchasing a new one and considering the office lean financial muscle as at the time I felt there was need to make do of available materials instead of buying new ones. I took the condemned wa-

I did.

This route is prone to accident as a result we are always going out for rescue activities. On one of such rescues, we were evacuating a dead victim from the river when the stretcher cloth got torn.

We had to pull the man out with our

ter container without the knowledge

bare hands. Meanwhile we had sent re-

of anyone and turned it into a use-

quest for stretchers via the sector

able waste bin. We are still using it.

Command. When we saw that the

When I also discovered that some

stretchers were not forth coming, I

lights were having problems I de-

took a two days pass and travelled to

cided to take up the project in or-

Kano where I bought green durable

der to reduce the running cost of the office.

Whenever the UC directs me to bring in a technician to check faulty wires I always do them myself since

cloths which I used in amending the two damaged stretchers in the Command.

We are still using them till today. Later on we received two new stretchers. Today we have five stretchers in the Command.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH USMAN SANI RMI

IN: What motivated you into car-

you to relax a little by doing your normal job?

. I just

US: The will to offer service. Hard

US: This is the starting

work is my watchword. Before I

point. To relax is to be-

like doing

joined the Corps I was into carpen-

tray the trust the Corps

try job. I work all day, for idleness

Marshal imposed on me.

that will

makes me sick. So when I joined

This is a morale booster,

the Corps I saw it as an opportu-

I have to do more.

make the

rying out these projects?

nity to always give in my best at all

anything

Corps

times. Whenever I am in the office

move

and I happened to come across

forward.

anything that needs fixing I will make sure that I look for a solution instead of sitting around and watching. I just like doing anything that will make the Corps move forward.

IN: Recently we heard that the Corps Marshal directed that you should be promoted to the next rank. What was your feeling when you received the news?

US: My mouth cannot express how I feel. I lack words to thank God and the Corps Marshal whom God has used to colour my life. I will be forever grateful to the Corps Marshal for projecting me as a mirror to the whole world.

IN: Now that you have done something nice and rewarded by the Corps, don‘t you think it is time for

One of the stretchers refurbished by Marshal Usman Sani

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH USMAN SANI RMI IN: Who is your role

something more and do it

model?

with faith without look-

US: God is my role

ing for reward. For re-

model. I also see the

ward will come when it

Corps Marshal and my

will come.

Unit Commander, AA

IN: What are your hob-

Awodi (ACC) as my role

bies?

models.

US: Reading and playing

IN: How will you want to

snooker

John W Gardner The cynic says, "One man can't do anything". I say, "Only one man can do anything."

see the Corps in the next 100 years from now?

Ralph Waldo Emerson The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.

US: I want to see a great Corps that is greater than all the challenges of road traffic crash has to offer. Since the year 2007 I joined the Corps till date we have been witnessing dramatic and progressive change.

IN: What advice do you have to other staff of

A Satellite cable installation by Marshal Usman Sani

the Corps?

US: I want to see staff that are willing to give in their best for nothing.

There are staff who can do far better than what I have done but they don‘t want to do anything beyond their normal schedule. I think everyone should try to do

Front view of Zariagi Unit Command

Lucretius The drops of rain make a hole in the stone, not by violence, but by oft falling.

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DON'T QUIT When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don't give up though the pace seems slow-You may succeed with another blow,

Success is failure turned inside out-The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Edgar A. Guest

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I N S I G H T

A STORY: LISTEN AND LIVE

N E W S L E T T E R

by KD Alegieuno ARC

Simbi the sheep sat in the stable looking awfully sad. Her friends had all gone to school leaving her behind alone and lonely. She ROAD SAFETY CLUB

would not be going to school for a whole week!

Simbi was involved in an accident that left her with a sprained

CREATING

hind leg. The accident could have

SAFER ROADS

been fatal if the driver had been

FOR FUTURE LEADERS THROUGH AWARENESS

reckless.

Simbi was a very intelligent student in her class but in recent times she had allowed pride and indiscipline to take the better part of her; an attitude which was not acceptable by anyone in her class.

Most times instead of paying attention to the teacher, she would be distracting others from learning. On several times she had been admonished by her teacher but she refused to change.

On that fateful day Mr. Tortoise was teaching the class the simple drills of crossing the road. Simbi was not listening. Instead, she was busy counting her money. ―You must look left and you must look right,‖ Mr. Tortoise said.

Blacky picked her pencil and began to draw a little sheep licking an ice cream cone. ―You must look left again,‖ the teacher emphasised. By now, Simbi was daydreaming. She could feel the creamy ice cream melting in her mouth. She could see herself swimming in cloud nineteen. ―You must look left again and only cross when the road is free,‖ Mr. Tortoise concluded. Simbi could not wait for the closing bell to ring before she hurriedly went out to

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. buy an ice cream cone. She began to lick

he did not run over the poor frightened

the ice cream as she trekked home.

Simbi.

Eventually she got to a place where she had to cross the road. Standing on the shoulder of the road, she looked left and she looked right. Instead of looking left again, she decided to look at the mouth watery ice cream in her hand.

A

However Simbi missed her footings while she attempted running and she fell on the tarred road with the ice scream smearing her uniform. She ended up with a sprained hind leg. The driver of the carriage was the one who took her to the nearest hospi-

S T O R Y : L I S T E N

A N D

L I V E

She took a bite at the cone as she en-

tal where she was giving a prompt treat-

tered the road. Because she did not ob-

ment.

serve the rule properly, she did not see the oncoming carriage from the left.

The doctor told her that she would have to stay at home for at least a week. She knew

When she eventually saw the carriage, it

then she was not going to come out first in

was too late! The carriage came screech-

her class and that she would not be partici-

ing and stopped right in front of her.

pating in the inter-house sport competi-

Mr. Blacky, the driver of the carriage

tion. She felt very depressed that she re-

was a well trained driver who was always

gretted all her actions. The most important

very careful when driving. That was why

thing was that she had learnt her lesson.

Important Lessons 1.

Don‘t assume you know everything; every single information is important for your safety

2.

Eating while walking on the road is a bad habit and harmful to your safety

3.

Listening is an important ingredient to learning

VOLUME

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THE DRIVING TEST

In other to restore the integrity of our driving license, FRSC has introduced a new Driving License that meets global best practices. As a prerequisite for obtaining it, the applicant must pass through a test with the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO).

Most learners view the driving test as a hurdle.

It certainly is a major topic of conversation among them. These tests vary from country to country.

In France and Nigeria, as in many other countries, learner drivers take a driving test in two parts; theoretical and practical test. In Germany, training includes first-aid instruction on what to do at the scene of an accident.

Additionally, the authorities there impose a legal minimum of one and a half hour practice in night driving as well as just over two hours driving on a motorway

DO Enakireru

(ARC)

(freeway). If the learner passes the examiner‘s test, he receives a probationary license valid for two years. Should this time pass without incident, a permanent license is granted.

Japan insists on from 30 to 60 hours of practical instruction from qualified driving instructors, followed by a three-part test: medical (for vision, colour blindness, hearing), driving (for practical skill), and written (on traffic regulations).

According to The Times of London, ―the tough British driving test is defeating hundreds of angry Americans [resident there].‖ with a 51-percent failure rate (compared with 15 percent in the U.S.A.), it is reckoned to be ―one of the most stringent in the world.‖ The variations extend past the technicalities.

Ben Yoshida, who runs a driving school in New York, asserts: ―In Tokyo, an inspector tests [drivers] from the point

Japan insists on from 30 to 60 hours of practical instruction from qualified driving instructors, followed by a three-part test: medical (for vision, colour blindness, hearing), driving (for practical skill), and written (on traffic regulations).

of view of how well they can drive a car technically, but in the United States, he tests to see how safely they can drive.‖ Whatever the differences, all drivers need to apply themselves to driving safely. How can they do this?

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DRIVING TEST According to The Times of London, ―the tough British driving test is defeating hundreds of angry Americans [resident there].‖ with a 51-percent failure rate (compared with 15 percent in the U.S.A.), it is reckoned to be ―one of the most stringent in the world.‖ The variations extend past the technicalities. Ben Yoshida, who runs a driving school in New York, asserts: ―In Tokyo, an inspector tests [drivers] from the point of view of how well they can drive a car technically, but in the United States, he tests to see how safely they can drive.‖ Whatever the differences, all drivers need to apply themselves to driving safely. How can they do this?

One English lady, who took her driving test at 50 years of age and passed, found it helpful to prepare by making a thorough study of Britain‘s Highway Code.

But as with any skill, she found that more is required than studying a

textbook.

Practice is essential. If you are a new driver, learn to drive safely under varying conditions. For example, when the weather changes, so does the condition of the road surface.

Though there may be only a light sprinkling of rain, the grip of your vehicle‘s tires will not be as effective as on a dry road. Consequently, slower speeds coupled with a greater awareness of road hazards become imperative. Heavy rain brings additional problems, such as when the spray kicked up behind vehicles obstructs your clear view ahead. Yes, become accustomed to different weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.

You are probably not a qualified mechanic. In fact, ―not one in five motorists knows his car‘s tyre pressures or service intervals,‖ claims London‘s Daily

Mail, adding: ―Not one in three ever reads a handbook and nearly all are baffled by modern engines.‖ How about you?

Although it is not necessary to know all the intricate mechanical details of today‘s vehicles, it does help to know the basics. This will enable you to develop ‗car sympathy.‘ Improve Your Technique Passing your driving test will give you a good feeling, a sense of achievement. But then what? Will you let your standards drop? ―Often after passing the test, many drivers get a bit reckless,‖ comments a driving instructor. He offers this advice: ―Know your limitations and the limitations of the vehicle in varying conditions. Until you have found those out, you are likely to have an accident.‖ One driver conceded: ―If I drove the way I did the first few weeks after my test, I would be a safer driver.‖ Why so? He admits: ―I now take more chances.‖

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THE DRIVING TEST On passing your test, you demonstrate that you are a good driver. To become a good , safe and responsible driver, you must continue to work on your driving. You can almost certainly improve your skill with experience and attention to your driving techniques.

Become ever more alert to possible dangers. ―Lack of anticipation and awareness of what is going on in front, behind and around your car is the main fault of today‘s drivers,‖ claims British police driving examiner, Alex Miller.

Try to expect the unexpected. Learning to ‗read the road‘ will help.

Therefore, do not be troubled if you are asked to go for a driving test, whether is for renewal or as a fresher, this will prove that only those who can drive possess it.

See it as a privilege.

ALL INCLUSSIVE MOBILITY: THE PLIGHT OF THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED, AGED, CHILDREN AND OTHER PEDESTRIANS IN NIGERIAN CITIES (2) the country.

-No sufficient pedestrian

The Challenges

flyover

Considering the provisions of the NRTR 2004 therefore, pedestrians and cy―E.S

John (ARC) STOF Budget Admin/Procurement, FRSC HQ Abuja

In the US for instance, 11.8%

of

all

traffic

deaths are pedestrian, while pedestrian‘s trips represent 9% of all total trips. The situation is not better in Nigerian and in FCT in particular

whose

traffic

crashes rate among the highest five states in

clists are left in danger.

Specifically; -There are no adequate designated bus stops for passengers to board and alight,

no

passengers

waiting bay, (kudos to glomobile anyway) even on expressways like the road from Apo (Gudu cemetery) roundabout through Berger to tipper garage (Katanpe) on Kubwa road among others.

were

(bridges),

they

and

exist, they

have been abandoned by pedestrians for such reasons as strength to climb, beggars and traders disturbances, and security.

-There are no sufficient traffic calming devices, roads signs and pavement markings, where provided, road users violate them with impunity -No audible crossing signals to cater for the visually

impaired,

texture

pavements and curb cuts to enable a cripple on

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ALL INCLUSIVE MOBILITY: THE PLIGHT OF THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED, AGED, CHILDREN AND OTHER PEDESTRIANS IN NIGERIAN CITIES (2)

on wheel chair to pass

Citizens

through.

(CCD) estimated the fig-

The public buildings have no

ure to be about 14 million

provision for the cripple on

while the World Health

wheel into the offices, nei-

Organization

estimated

ther are there sufficient

that 1 out of every 10 in

lifts to carry him/her to

developing

is

which ever stair he/she de-

disabled, which translate

sires. It is a national con-

to over 10 million in Nige-

cern.

-No subways, cyclist tracks and no sufficient walk ways etc.

-The commercial buses does not have provision for the cripple to wheel into it, neither are the physically challenged well received by the public in vehicles.

Let‘s look at the categories of the pedestrians in FCT. The Disabled People with mobility impairments in cities around the world have long struggled to have their special needs accommodated in the design of urban infrastructure.

The

quality of life for citizens is reduced when they cannot take full advantage of roads, sidewalks and other transport facilities. significant proportion of the of

Nigeria,

though the 2006 National census put the figure at 3,253,169

Disability

countries

journey.

ria. Also a Harvard study on People with Disability indicated that more than 20 million people with disabilities constituted the Nigerian population. This large number of citizens is not adequately catered for in our public infrastructure

designs

transportation

and

system.

For instance, a cripple on wheel cannot go out with his wheel chair because the edge of the road shoulder does

A cripple on wheel chair at a flat edged road that allows him to wheel across without restriction (Japan)

not accommodate him, he

The disabled represent a population

with

persons

repre-

senting 2.32% of the population, an NGO, Centre for

cannot cross the road, if he decides to pick a cab, most offices does not allow commercial vehicle in their alights

premises, there

so

and

he left

with no option than to use his hand to complete the

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT EDITION

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C O M A C E P O W E R P O I N T P R E S E N T A T I O N A T T H E N A T I O N A L E L E C T R I C I T Y C O M M I S S I O N O N 1 4 A P R I L , 2 0 1 1

Transforming Into a World Class Organization: The Federal Road Safety Commission Example Presentation to National Electricity Commission By Osita Chidoka Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Commission 14 April 2011

Table of Contents Section 1

Objective of this Presentation

2

FRSC‘s Situation in 2007

3

FRSC‘s Challenges in 2007

4

FRSC‘s reform strategies

5

FRSC‘s Key Initiatives

6

Corresponding Results

7

Advice to National Electricity Commission

2

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TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT EDITION

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A P P R O V E D M A T E R N I T Y W E A R F E M A L E O F F I C E R S S

FRONT VIEW

RIGHT SIDE VIEW

BACK VIEW

LEFT SIDE VIEW

N E W S L E T T E R

F O R

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A P P R O V E D M A T E R N I T Y W E A R F O R F E M A L E M A R S H A L S FRONT VIEW OF THE UNIFORM

SIDE VIEW OF THE UNIFORM

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PLANNING ADVISORY UNIT

I N S I G H T

-Converting

N E W S L E T T E R

data into intelligence for making evidence

based decision

Federal Road Safety Corps

-Conducting global monitoring and benchmarking

RSHQ,

-Conducting surveys and internal consulting for depart-

Wuse Zone 7, Abuja, Nigeria Phone: +234 8077201236, +234 7036136152

ments and Corps offices -Offering technical assistance and coaching to departments and Corps offices

E-mail: insight@frsc.gov.ng pau@frsc.gov.ng

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