The Federal Government, FG, has urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other stakeholders to recommit to implementing the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy, citing alarming statistics on road fatalities.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at the FRSC’s 8th Annual Lecture Series, acknowledged the Corps’ efforts but stressed that more work is needed to make Nigerian roads safe.
Shettima, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC), stated that the administration is prioritising safer roads through massive infrastructure development.
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However, he noted that the recent increase in road deaths is a “disturbing” indicator that significant challenges persist.
He called for a collaborative approach, engaging all tiers of government, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations to achieve sustainable outcomes.
“We do not yet have the luxury to celebrate,” Shettima said. “The road ahead remains long and demanding. Much work still lies before us, and we must draw from both our indigenous solutions and effective collaborations with global partners.”
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, echoed the sentiment, stating that road safety is a national development priority, not merely a transport issue.
He assured attendees that the government is committed to supporting the FRSC with capacity building and interagency coordination.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the lecture series provides a platform to share perspectives and gain critical insight into global road safety management.
He expressed optimism that the event, attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and legal and academic professionals, would help the nation achieve its road safety objectives.
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Saul Billingsley, Executive Director of the London-based Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Foundation, acknowledged the FRSC’s global influence, calling it a key player in the international road safety community.
Former Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka, who moderated a panel discussion, noted that a major challenge is adapting global frameworks to the Nigerian reality, where motorcycle accidents account for nearly half of all road fatalities.
