No fewer than 432 persons lost their lives and 2,070 others sustained injuries in various road crashes across Nigeria within just one month, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, revealed the figures while addressing journalists during the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign, themed “Taking Responsibility for Your Safety.”
Mohammed, who was represented by the Bauchi Sector Commander, Apaji Boyi, said the fatalities were recorded from 533 reported crashes between January 15 and February 15, 2025.
He attributed the high rate of accidents to drivers’ recklessness, including fatigue, overloading, transportation of passengers in haulage vehicles, carrying petrol in containers, and blatant violation of traffic rules.
“The behaviour of drivers remains a fundamental factor in determining safety on our roads,” he said. “These infringements include over-speeding, drunk driving, distraction from phone use, non-use of seat belts, and disregard for traffic regulations.”
The FRSC boss said the corps has deployed personnel and logistics to major highways and crash-prone routes nationwide as part of renewed efforts to curb preventable road deaths ahead of the festive season.
According to him, the campaign would feature free vehicle safety checks, rallies, and motorcades in several states to raise awareness among drivers and commuters on the importance of safety consciousness.
While commending the Federal Government for its support, Mohammed urged motorists to cooperate with FRSC personnel to ensure smooth traffic flow and safer roads.
“Safety on the road is a shared responsibility. Every road user must take ownership of their actions to avoid needless tragedies,” he added.
.. Niger Records 688 Deaths in Two Years
In a related development, the Niger State Sector Command of the FRSC disclosed that at least 688 people have been killed in various road crashes across the state in the last two years.
Sector Commander, Aisha Sa’ad, made this known in Minna on Monday during the state’s version of the 2025 Ember Months campaign.
Sa’ad said 439 deaths were recorded from 419 crashes involving 3,961 people in 2024 alone, while 249 others died and 1,272 sustained injuries in 253 crashes recorded in the first half of 2025.
“Although the figures remain alarming, our records indicate a decline compared to previous years,” she said. “This shows that our sustained public enlightenment efforts are yielding positive results.”
She attributed most of the crashes to human error, particularly distracted driving, over-speeding, and non-compliance with safety regulations.
The Niger command, she added, has deployed officers and special marshals to all major highways and will operate mobile courts to prosecute erring drivers.
“Our theme, ‘Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,’ is a reminder that road crashes are largely preventable if drivers obey traffic laws and drive responsibly,” she stated.
The FRSC’s annual Ember Months campaign—which runs from September to December—targets increased public education and enforcement during Nigeria’s most accident-prone period, as millions of travellers hit the roads for business and festive journeys.
Despite repeated awareness drives, data from the corps continues to highlight rising fatalities from road traffic crashes attributed mainly to human errors, poor vehicle maintenance, and dilapidated road conditions.
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