By Correspondent in Abuja.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported a 12.8% reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) nationwide from January to October 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
He attributed the decline to the Corps’ commitment to enhancing road safety and implementing targeted measures to prevent crashes.
“The number of crashes decreased from 8,654 in 2023 to 7,675 in 2024, reflecting a 12.8% reduction. Additionally, injuries and fatalities dropped from 25,126 in 2023 to 24,525 in 2024, representing a 2.5% decrease,” Mohammed said.
However, he noted an increase in deaths caused by mass crashes, citing incidents such as the Jigawa crash and another in Minna, which collectively claimed numerous lives. He assured that efforts were underway to minimize road traffic deaths.
“Our target is to reduce road traffic deaths by 5% annually, aligning with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, which aims for a 50% reduction in road fatalities by 2030,” Mohammed added.
To achieve this, the FRSC is refining its strategies, particularly for the end-of-year patrols.
Mohammed also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Corps, stakeholders, and the public to sustain the progress.
He urged Nigerians to support FRSC’s efforts by obeying traffic rules, avoiding reckless driving, and reporting traffic-related incidents promptly.
“As part of our awareness campaign, we are holding press conferences and town hall meetings to educate road users, especially at the grassroots level,” he said.
The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to public enlightenment initiatives aimed at reducing crashes and making Nigerian roads safer for all users.
“When we work together, we can achieve significant progress in road safety,” Mohammed advised.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
