Yusuf John Suberu, the coordinator of non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations in Nigeria (NGOs/CSOs), has called for urgent measures to address the escalating challenges of road accidents in the country. Suberu emphasized the pressing need to tackle pre-crash, crash, and post-crash issues, asserting that the targets set for the first phase of the decade of action have not been met.
Speaking on behalf of the initiative, Suberu underscored the critical importance of mobilizing resources to implement action plans for the second decade of action. He highlighted the necessity of adopting sector-based strategies to combat the complex challenges of road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Nigeria.
Suberu further pointed out widespread irregularities in driving schools’ operations, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the quality of driver education and the surge in road safety violations and accidents. He raised concerns about the significant number of uncertified vehicles on the roads, posing a threat to lives and properties. Additionally, he lamented the lack of inter-agency cooperation, inadequate funding, and the subsequent decline in collaborative efforts among government agencies, NGOs, and CSOs in post-crash activities.
The call to action by the NGOs/CSOs in Nigeria reflects a critical and urgent need to address the multifaceted issues plaguing road safety in the country. As stakeholders mobilize to develop and implement new strategies, the hope is to significantly reduce the alarming rate of road crashes, safeguarding the lives and well-being of the Nigerian populace.
