By Abubakar Yunusa
The Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Abdullahi Sani, has retired from service after 35 years, drawing glowing tributes from a former Corps Marshal and ex-Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka.
Sani officially bowed out of service on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Chidoka said the senior officer paid him a courtesy visit a few days before his retirement to formally notify him of the decision.
Recounting their first encounter in a Facebook post on Saturday, Chidoka said he met Sani in 2007 while serving as Corps Marshal.
He said his attention was drawn to Sani through a letter written by the officer as a Deputy Route Commander in Kaduna.
“The language immediately caught my attention—the cadence, clarity and confidence stood out. I asked to see the officer,” Chidoka said.
Although Sani’s appearance initially surprised him, Chidoka said the impression quickly changed during their interaction.
“Within minutes, his intellect, composure and confidence were unmistakable. I asked him a simple question: Are you available to work with me?” he said.
Chidoka said Sani later served as his Staff Officer, Media, distinguished himself, and went on to serve two other Corps Marshals in the same capacity.
He added that Sani’s professionalism endured beyond his time in uniform.
“He was so good that, even as Minister of Aviation, I often relied on him to craft major speeches. Trust, once earned, has a long memory,” he said.
Chidoka also spoke of a personal bond with Sani and his family, noting that the officer regularly shared updates on his children’s academic progress.
“They were a source of pride to all of us, and I was honoured to be their ‘Uncle,’” he said.
Reflecting on a visit last year to Sani’s Lekki command, where he served as Unit Commander, Chidoka said he observed high professionalism and staff morale.
“His office was orderly and professional, and the morale of his staff was evident. I left impressed and deeply proud,” he said.
Describing Sani as “one of my great human-resource revelations in the public sector,” Chidoka said the officer’s career underscored the depth of talent across Nigeria.
“Every state has outstanding talent. What often differs is opportunity,” he said.
As Sani begins retirement, Chidoka expressed confidence in his continued relevance.
“I wish him a fulfilling retirement and will not hesitate to recommend him to his state government or any institution for his skill, humility, integrity and loyalty,” he added.
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