The Federal Road Safety Corps has advised motorists across the country to exercise increased caution following the persistence of hazy weather conditions that have significantly reduced visibility on major roads.
The Corps said the dust haze, largely linked to seasonal atmospheric changes associated with the harmattan, poses heightened risks for road users and could lead to an increase in traffic crashes if drivers fail to take precautionary measures.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the prevailing conditions demand strict adherence to traffic rules.
“The current dust haze, occasioned largely by seasonal atmospheric conditions, poses significant risks to road users, particularly motorists whose vision may be impaired while driving,” Ogungbemide said.
He warned that poor visibility could make routine driving decisions more dangerous.
Reacting to the situation, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, stressed that reduced visibility shortens drivers’ reaction time, making speeding and reckless driving especially hazardous.
“In view of the reduced visibility associated with the dust haze, motorists are advised to strictly comply with traffic regulations and adopt safe driving practices at all times,” Mohammed said.
He urged drivers to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances, and ensure that vehicle lighting systems—including headlights, tail lights and brake lights—are in good working condition and used appropriately, even during the daytime.
The FRSC also cautioned against dangerous driving behaviours such as wrongful overtaking, over-speeding and distracted driving, noting that these actions significantly increase crash risks under hazy conditions.
Motorists were encouraged to report emergencies through the Corps’ toll-free emergency number, 122, while the FRSC assured the public that its patrol teams remain on high alert nationwide to enforce compliance and provide assistance when needed.
The advisory comes amid ongoing harmattan weather patterns in January 2026.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast continued hazy and sunny conditions across several parts of the country, particularly in the North-Central region, from Monday to Wednesday.
