The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s increasing rate of road traffic crashes, revealing that no fewer than 3,915 people lost their lives between January and September 2025.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this on Thursday while launching the 2025 ember months safety campaign in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
According to him, the country recorded 7,715 road traffic crashes within the first nine months of the year, representing a 10.04 percent increase over the 7,011 incidents recorded in the same period of 2024.
Mohammed noted that the number of injured persons also rose to 24,674, up from 22,373 in 2024, signifying a 10.28 percent increase, while fatalities jumped from 3,811 to 3,915, a rise of 11.55 percent.
“These figures are worrisome and call for renewed responsibility among all road users. The causes are mainly distracted driving, fatigue, emotional stress, and use of mobile phones while driving,” Mohammed said.
Despite the national increase, the FRSC boss commended Rivers State for showing improvement in road safety outcomes.
“Within the same period in Rivers, 15 persons were killed and 51 others injured in 47 reported crashes. Compared to the previous year, this represents a 35.7 percent drop in deaths and a 37.5 percent reduction in injuries,” he stated.
Mohammed attributed the improvement to better emergency response systems and sustained public enlightenment in the state.
Highlighting measures taken to curb the rising trend, the Corps Marshal said the FRSC had introduced a mobile app for reporting reckless drivers and accessing real-time safety tips.
He added that the corps had also intensified community-based interventions, public education campaigns, and mass deployments of personnel across major highways, along with free vehicle checks and motor park rallies nationwide.
“Our ember months campaign, themed ‘Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving’, is a wake-up call to all drivers. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and negligence is costly,” Mohammed cautioned.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, who represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving transport safety.
He said the government recognised the crucial role of safe and efficient road networks in the state’s economic and social growth, adding that investments in road infrastructure and maritime security would continue.
“Governor Fubara’s administration will keep prioritising safety on our roads and waterways. We are determined to protect lives and property while facilitating the free movement of people and goods,” Anabraba stated.
The FRSC’s 2025 ember months campaign, expected to run for several weeks, will feature road shows, safety clinics, stakeholder engagement sessions, and grassroots sensitisation to reduce accidents during the festive season.
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