As Nigerians across the country celebrate Democracy Day on June 12, the Federal Road Safety Corps has called on citizens to demonstrate caution, discipline, and care on the roads during the holiday.
The Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu, made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday by the FRSC’s Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in Abuja.
He noted that national holidays like Democracy Day often see increased vehicular and human movement, which, if not managed properly, could result in preventable accidents.
“Public holidays are typically characterised by high traffic volumes, as people travel to visit family, friends, and attend celebrations,” Biu said. “Unfortunately, these increased movements are often accompanied by traffic violations and reckless driving, which endanger lives.”
He urged Nigerians to avoid behaviours that show disregard for traffic regulations, emphasising that the roads are shared public spaces requiring respect and orderliness from all users.
“Drivers must understand that safety is a collective responsibility,” he stated. “We must avoid dangerous actions such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, overspeeding, and driving against traffic.”
The Corps Marshal also congratulated Nigerians on the milestone of 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, encouraging them to celebrate responsibly.
“Let us not allow carelessness on the roads to cast a shadow over this significant national achievement,” he said. “Only the living can celebrate. Drive safely. Stay alive.”
Biu reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to ensuring safety on the highways during and beyond the Democracy Day celebration, adding that the agency had deployed personnel and logistics nationwide to monitor road activities and assist commuters where necessary.
The FRSC called on motorists and all road users to cooperate with traffic officials and obey all safety guidelines to ensure a peaceful and accident-free holiday.
