If you find your self in Nigeria, you may see different form of uniformed men controlling township traffic in addition to traffic lights. They includes;
a) The traffic warden
b) The regular police
c) The road safety
d) Some state traffic agencies (e.g. LASMA in Lagos state)
e) The special marshals

WHAT IS SPECIAL MARSHAL
They are men and women of means, with proven integrity in society, and able to influence their immediate constituency (work place/community) in favor of the course of road safety. They volunteer them selves to assist the Federal Road Safety Commission of Nigeria to assist in the course of road safety.

THE FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION OF NIGERIA
In February 1988, the Federal Government of Nigeria created the Federal Road Safety Commission through Decree No. 45 of the 1988 as amended by Decree 35 of 1992. Later Passed by the National Assembly as Federal Road Safety Commission (establishment) Act 2007.

The functions of the Commission generally relates to:
• Making the highway safe for motorists and other road users.
• Recommending works and devices designed to eliminate or minimize accidents on the highways and advising the Federal and State Governments
In particular, the Commission is charged with responsibilities for:
• Preventing or minimizing accidents on the highway;
• Clearing obstructions on any part of the highways;
• Educating drivers, motorists and other members of the public generally on the proper use of the highways;
• The enabling act, (CAP 141 Laws of the Federation 1990) provides that a body known as the Federal Road Safety Commission shall consist of Uniformed and non-uniformed members.
• The non-uniformed members or Special Marshals are the volunteer arm of the Federal Road Safety Commission.
• The Act empowers the Special Marshals to carry out patrol, rescue and other activities that ensure good road usage on our highways.
• Just like their Regular counterparts, they can arrest and book traffic offenders as well as prosecute them when necessary.
• They also take part and occasionally sponsor researches, public education and other activities of the commission.
• Enrolment into the Special Marshal arm of the commission shall be on group or individual basis.
• Upon enrolment, a Special Marshal undertakes never to drive or permit himself to be driven above the prescribed speed limit except under proven rescue situation.
• A Special Marshal must exhibit the highest level of discipline and courtesy while on the highway and must always justify the confidence reposed in them especially while dealing with the motoring public.
• All Special Marshals must be kitted with the prescribed regalia and identity cards.
• The regalia are paid for by each Special Marshal, even through they remain the property of FRSC.
• In the event of any Special Marshal leaving the outfit, he/she must surrender his kits and ID Card to the Commanding Officer.

• The contributions of special marshals through time, energy and resource in the reduction of road death, injury and severity is enormous.