The Federal Road Safety Corps has raised concern over the alarming rise in road traffic accidents and deaths recorded across Nigeria in the first half of 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday during the 2025 Half-Year Strategy Session, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, revealed that 5,281 road crashes occurred between January and June, involving 39,793 people.
Of this number, 2,838 people lost their lives, while 17,818 were rescued.
“The available statistics reveal that the first half of 2025 has presented a tough challenge,” Mohammed said.
“Between January and June alone, 5,281 road traffic crashes were recorded nationwide. Sadly, 2,838 lives were lost, while 17,818 people were rescued.”
Comparing the data to the same period in 2024, the corps marshal noted that crashes had increased by 3.9 percent, with fatalities rising by 2.2 percent. “The total number of people involved in road crashes also went up by 8.9 percent. These numbers are troubling and indicate the growing challenge of ensuring road safety in Nigeria,” he said.
In terms of enforcement, Mohammed stated that the corps intensified efforts, resulting in a significant increase in arrests and violations recorded.
“Our operatives arrested 290,887 traffic offenders for committing 319,798 offences between January and June this year. This is a 16 percent increase in arrests and 14.9 percent rise in recorded offences compared to the same period in 2024,” he said.
He emphasized that the surge in arrests does not suggest institutional weakness but rather proves that FRSC remains alert and committed to safety enforcement.
“The increase in enforcement is a clear indication that the corps is more responsive and visible in the discharge of its mandate,” he asserted.
Mohammed also pointed to the massive traffic flow across the country’s highways during the review period. He revealed that over 30 million passengers traveled in 2.3 million vehicles, with Anambra and Kano States alone accounting for over 6.5 million passengers—about 22 percent of the national total.
“In spite of these numbers and the strain it puts on our operatives and infrastructure, let me categorically state that the FRSC is not overwhelmed. We remain a resilient institution committed to saving lives through professionalism and innovation,” he assured.
The FRSC boss highlighted ongoing reforms, including a bill recently passed by the House of Representatives to amend the FRSC Establishment Act. The amendment seeks to enhance traffic regulation, safeguard personnel and infrastructure, and improve staff welfare.
On the technology front, he announced the successful rollout of the National Crash Reporting Information System and the FRSC Mobile App. According to him, both platforms have strengthened data gathering, public engagement, and emergency response services.
Additionally, Mohammed revealed plans to establish a Health Management Office to address longstanding concerns of personnel regarding the quality of healthcare. “The proposed office will provide subsidized services and timely medical interventions for our staff,” he said.
Public education campaigns have also evolved, he noted, with town hall and breakfast meetings now a core part of the corps’ strategy to promote safer roads.
The corps marshal also celebrated multiple accolades received by FRSC in 2024, including the Nigeria Gov-Tech Public Service Award, the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award, and recognition from the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity.
“Nigeria was recently elected to host the Permanent Secretariat of the African Association of Lead Agencies in Road Safety Management. These achievements underscore our leadership role in road safety across the continent,” Mohammed said.
He concluded by calling on officers to intensify their efforts and maintain discipline, warning that stricter enforcement, including mobile court operations and special monitoring, will continue throughout the year.
“Road crashes are a societal issue. Our response must be strategic, continuous, and supported by all stakeholders,” he urged. “Let us all remember that road safety is a shared responsibility.”
