By correspondent in Abuja.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed .
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for strengthened collaboration with stakeholders to enhance traffic management, aiming to reduce road accidents and improve road safety across Nigeria.
Addressing the media,following the inauguration of the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NARSAC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed highlighted the importance of a unified approach to road safety.
Our correspondent reports that NARSAC comprises six governors, key ministers, and other stakeholders, all committed to reducing road fatalities nationwide.
Mohammed stated that the FRSC has been conducting awareness campaigns in motor parks and other public spaces to foster a culture of safe driving across the country.
He emphasized the need for commuters and transport unions to play a proactive role in preventing road accidents and ensuring safer journeys.
According to him, although road crashes have decreased, the figures remain alarmingly high, underscoring the need for increased awareness and preventive actions among the public.
“Commuters must speak out when drivers are endangering lives by breaking traffic rules,” he said. “If you see something, say something. Passengers can contribute significantly to reducing road accidents, but too often, they remain silent.”
He also noted that fellow passengers sometimes discourage others from speaking up. “Life has no duplicate. We all must be proactive in preventing road crashes,” he added, urging an attitudinal shift, especially among transport unions, to discourage overloading and driving under the influence.
The FRSC chief mentioned that road crashes have shown a steady decline in the past month and that the corps will continue educating the public on safe road use.
“There is still much work to be done in awareness, sensitization, and infrastructure improvements to reduce traffic accidents,” he said.
The corps plans to conduct outreach at motor parks to discourage drivers from substance abuse and to engage community leaders on road safety practices at the grassroots level.
Mohammed urged drivers, especially commercial ones, to observe traffic regulations, avoid overloading, and refrain from phone use while driving.
Commenting on the newly inaugurated council, he described NARSAC as a crucial advancement in Nigeria’s road safety efforts, facilitating the swift implementation of the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS).
As the advisory council’s secretary, Mohammed explained that the NRSS addresses global road safety goals, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s road accidents and fatalities.
“NARSAC’s establishment is essential to achieving NRSS objectives, including improved road designs, non-motorized transport initiatives, and stronger safety frameworks. With its guidance, the FRSC can move closer to its mission of safer roads and reduced fatalities nationwide,” he said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
