Stakeholders have called for stricter policy enforcement and full implementation of the Marrakech Declaration to reduce road traffic fatalities in Nigeria and across Africa.
At a seminar organised by the Kwapda’as Road Safety Demand (KRSD) in Abuja, the president of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, stressed the need for enhanced road safety measures to protect lives.
She highlighted the risks emergency responders face, urging better protection and support for those rescuing accident victims.
“They risk their lives daily to save others. Safety measures must be reinforced to ensure their protection while carrying out their duties,” she said.
Justice Dongban-Mensem also emphasised road safety as a shared responsibility, calling for greater awareness and adherence to traffic laws.
“We must dignify life by saving a life. If you see a road user in distress, stop and help. If you witness a crash, offer first aid or rush victims to the hospital,” she urged.
The founder of the LASA Foundation and president of LASER International, Mrs Ndeye Hawa, highlighted Africa’s alarming road safety statistics, noting that the continent remains the only region where road traffic deaths continue to rise.
“As outlined in the Marrakech Declaration, Africa faces unique road safety challenges, including poor infrastructure, informal transport systems, and weak law enforcement. Nigeria must lead efforts to address these issues and advocate for safer roads,” she stated.
Hawa also criticised the influx of substandard vehicles into African markets, calling for stricter regulations.
“Why should Africa accept unsafe vehicles from Europe and the U.S.? Our governments must enact laws to protect our people because African lives matter just as much as lives on other continents,” she said.
She stressed the need for collaboration between governments, the private sector, and NGOs to improve road safety.
“Victim support groups play a crucial role in advocating for road crash victims. We need better emergency care, post-crash response, and stricter enforcement of safety laws,” she added.
The seminar concluded with a call for Nigeria to strengthen its commitment to the Marrakech Declaration and serve as a model for road safety reforms across Africa.
Participants also announced an upcoming international road victims’ commemoration event to raise awareness and push for policy changes to enhance road safety management.
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