Ex-FRSC corps marshal hails deputy commander on retirement

Osita Chidoka

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The Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Abdullahi Sani, has retired from service after 35 years, drawing tributes from a former Corps Marshal and ex-Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who described him as one of his most significant human resource discoveries in the public sector.

Chidoka said Sani paid him a visit a few days before his retirement to formally inform him of the decision.

Sani officially retired on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Recounting their first meeting via his Facebook page on Saturday, Chidoka said their paths crossed in 2007 when he was serving as Corps Marshal.

He explained that his attention was first drawn to Sani through a letter written by the officer while he was a Deputy Route Commander in Kaduna.

“The language immediately caught my attention—the cadence, clarity, and confidence of the writing stood out. I asked to see the officer,” Chidoka said.

He recalled that while Sani’s physical appearance did not initially match the sophistication of the writing, the impression quickly changed during their conversation.

He added, “Within minutes of our conversation, his intellect, composure, and confidence were unmistakable. I asked him a simple question: Are you available to work with me?”

According to the former Corps Marshal, Sani went on to serve as his Staff Officer, Media, where he distinguished himself and later served two other Corps Marshals in the same role.

He said Sani’s professionalism left a lasting impression even beyond his time in uniform.

“Sani was so good that, even later as Minister of Aviation, I often fell back on him to craft my major speeches. Trust, once earned, has a long memory,” he said.

Chidoka also spoke about his personal relationship with the DCM and his family, noting that the officer regularly shared updates about his children’s academic progress.

“They were a source of pride to all of us, and I was happy—indeed honoured—to be their ‘Uncle,’” he said.

Reflecting on a visit last year to Sani’s command in Lekki, where he served as a Unit Commander, Chidoka described an atmosphere of professionalism and high morale.

“His office was orderly and professional, and the morale of his staff was evident. I left impressed and deeply proud of him,” he said.

Chidoka described Sani as “One of my great human-resource revelations in the public sector” and used his career to underscore a broader point about national development.

He said the officer’s journey reaffirmed his belief that “every state in Nigeria has outstanding talent—what often differs is opportunity. Given the chance, our institutions still produce men and women of depth, discipline, and integrity.”

As the DCM begins retirement, Chidoka expressed confidence in his continued relevance and contribution to society. “I wish him a fulfilling retirement and have no doubt he will continue to add value to society. Who knows, he may yet become an Athena Fellow,” he said.

He added, “I will have no hesitation to recommend him to his state government or any other institution for his skill, learning mindset, humility, integrity and loyalty.”

The PUNCH journalist, Gift, has over three years of experience covering elections, security and foreign affairs.

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