The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the decrease in road traffic crashes in Nigeria to the substantial investment by the Federal Government in road infrastructure and enhanced visibility on highways.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja to mark the 2023 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims, FRSC Corps Marshal Dauda Biu highlighted the significance of the event in honouring the millions of individuals globally who have lost their lives or sustained injuries in road traffic crashes.
Biu emphasized the global importance of the event, aimed at acknowledging the suffering of victims and affected communities. He reiterated the FRSC’s dedication to reducing road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries through technological innovations, policy formulations, and the elimination of contributing factors.
Highlighting their accomplishments, Biu stated, “From January to September, the corps achieved a 22% reduction in road traffic crashes, 21.3% reduction in injuries, and 23.1% reduction in the number of fatalities.”
He attributed these achievements to the introduction of new vehicles, the expansion of the command structure, and the establishment of new area and unit commands, which has significantly bolstered the corps’ operational capacity and visibility on the highways.
Biu commended the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu in promoting road safety through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The theme for the 2023 commemoration, “Justice,” and the slogan “Remember, Support, Act,” symbolize the readiness and determination of stakeholders to work with the corps in eradicating road traffic crashes in Nigeria.
Emphasizing the FRSC’s commitment as the lead agency in road safety administration, Biu highlighted the continued focus on effective traffic law enforcement, extensive public enlightenment campaigns, and thorough investigations into the causes of crashes to prevent recurrences.
On the issue of justice, he affirmed the corps’ dedication to ensuring criminal prosecution where appropriate, alongside providing compensation to victims and their families.
Professor Sydney Ibeanusi of the Ministry of Health affirmed the decrease in road traffic crashes in 2023 and commended the collaborative efforts of the FRSC, Fire Service, Nigeria Police, and other emergency response agencies in preventing accidents.
He assured that the Federal Government would sustain substantial investment in enhancing the transportation system and urged motorists to prioritize the safety of all road users.
Representatives from sister agencies, NGOs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the United Nations Decade of Action pledged their commitment to enhancing road safety and preventing accidents. (NAN)
