In a renewed effort to boost road safety and operational efficiency, the Katsina State Safety and Roads Traffic Authority (KASSAROTA) has commenced a comprehensive training programme for its operational and desk officers across all 13 zones of the state.

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of KASSAROTA, Major Garba Yahya Rimi (rtd), announced the initiative during the official opening ceremony of the training session in Katsina. He described the move as a strategic capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing the competence and accountability of personnel who play vital roles in enforcing traffic regulations and maintaining road safety.

“This training is part of our broader commitment to professionalising the services of KASSAROTA marshals, in line with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s vision of safe and efficient road use across the state,” Rimi said.

The programme follows a directive from the state government in 2023, which saw the recruitment of 304 marshals. Although the marshals received basic induction training at the Civil Defence College, no follow-up training had taken place since. According to Rimi, this gap prompted the need for a refresher and upskilling programme to ensure that field officers and administrative staff are adequately equipped to carry out their duties.

With the Governor's endorsement, secured through the Commissioner for Works, KASSAROTA selected two officers—one operational and one desk officer—from each of its 13 zonal units. These units include major traffic zones in Katsina, Daura, Funtua, Malumfashi, Danja, Kankara, Dutsin-ma, Jibia, Mai’adua, Mashi, and Kankia, among others.

Operational officers are responsible for monitoring daily activities on the roads, enforcing discipline among marshals, and ensuring traffic compliance. Desk officers, on the other hand, manage documentation, data recording, and administrative reporting within the zones. The training is designed to address the unique needs of both categories and foster effective collaboration between field and administrative teams.

Rimi noted that the officers undergoing the training are also expected to transfer their knowledge to colleagues in their respective zones, creating a multiplier effect that would elevate the overall capacity of the organisation.

“Increasing the skills and understanding of our officers will not only improve their daily performance but will also translate into fewer road accidents, better traffic coordination, and more public confidence in our work,” he said.

The programme underscores KASSAROTA's strategic approach to tackling road safety challenges in the state by investing in human capital. Officials say it is a key component of a broader reform initiative aimed at building a responsive and professional traffic management authority that meets the demands of Katsina State’s growing urban and rural road networks.