By Adewole Kehinde
The recent remarks by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during his official visit to the Edo State Police Command in Benin City, once again raised hopes for the emergence of a truly people-oriented Nigeria Police Force.
His interaction with officers and men of the command reflected a leadership that understands the urgent need for institutional reforms, welfare enhancement, and operational efficiency within the Force.
However, one critical unit that deserves immediate attention is the Traffic Warden Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
For decades, traffic wardens have remained one of the most visible symbols of law enforcement on Nigerian roads. From managing chaotic traffic in major cities to ensuring order during public events and emergencies, these officers continue to serve diligently despite years of neglect, poor career progression, and institutional stagnation.
Historically, Section 124 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 clearly defines the powers, privileges, and immunities of traffic wardens while on duty. The law empowers them with all the authorities of a regular police officer concerning road traffic regulation, provided they are in uniform and operating within the Police State Command where they are appointe
This legal backing underscores the importance of the unit within the policing architecture of Nigeria.
Sadly, despite their statutory responsibilities, the Traffic Warden Unit has suffered severe administrative neglect.
For many years, there has been little or no recruitment into the corps of traffic wardens. The absence of fresh recruitment has created manpower shortages, increased workload on the few available personnel, and weakened operational effectiveness. In several states, aging personnel continue to carry out demanding traffic control responsibilities without adequate reinforcement from younger officers.
Even more troubling is the issue of rank stagnation.
Many traffic wardens have remained on the same rank level, particularly within the DST cadre, for over 11 to 13 years without promotion or career advancement. This prolonged stagnation has negatively affected morale, productivity, and commitment within the unit. No institution can expect optimal performance from personnel whose sacrifices and years of service are consistently overlooked.
The time has therefore come for the Nigeria Police leadership under IGP Disu to urgently upgrade the Traffic Warden Unit from the DST rank structure to the ST (Superintendent) cadre. Such an upgrade would not only improve career progression but also restore dignity, motivation, and professionalism within the unit.
Beyond rank restructuring, there is a need for comprehensive reform of the Traffic Warden Unit through regular recruitment, improved welfare packages, modern traffic management training, digital monitoring tools, and better operational equipment. Nigerian roads are becoming increasingly complex, especially in rapidly growing urban centres like Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Benin City. Managing modern traffic challenges requires a modernized and adequately empowered traffic management unit.
The vision of building a “new police” cannot be achieved while critical departments remain abandoned.
Nigeria needs a police institution that reflects professionalism, fairness, efficiency, and inclusiveness. A police force owned by the people must also value every officer and unit contributing to national security and public order. Traffic wardens may not carry sophisticated weapons or lead tactical operations, but their daily contribution to public safety and orderliness remains invaluable.
The ongoing police reforms championed by IGP Disu provide a unique opportunity to correct longstanding injustices within the system. Upgrading and revitalizing the Traffic Warden Unit would send a strong message that every cadre within the Force matters.
The time to build a new Nigeria Police Force is now, a police institution that communities trust, states support, and Nigerians proudly identify as their own.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. Email: kennyadewole@gmail.com X: kennyadewole
