The Nigeria Police Force has reported a concerning figure of 4,387 fatalities from road crashes within the first half of 2023, indicating a significant rise in road accidents compared to the previous year.
Speaking during a dialogue session on road safety challenges organised by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Abuja, the representative of the Commissioner of Police FCT, ACP Habib Rabiu, noted the critical need to address the prevailing road safety issues in Nigeria. He highlighted reckless driving, speeding, and non-compliance with traffic regulations as some key factors contributing to these accidents.
Quoting statistics from the Federal Road Safety Commission, Rabiu highlighted the alarming figures: 4,387 deaths and 14,108 injuries recorded in the first half of 2023, marking a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, 15,789 persons were rescued unhurt during this period. Rabiu stressed that several of these accidents could have been avoided with responsible road conduct.
Dr. Yusuf John Suberu, the convener of the event and CEO of the Road Safety Stakeholders and Humanitarian Forum of Nigeria, underscored the importance of adopting sector-based strategies to address road traffic crashes and fatalities in Nigeria. He emphasized the need to develop a communique that would serve as a roadmap in achieving the objectives of the Decade of Action for the year 2024.
Suberu lamented the compromised nature of driving schools, issuing Driver’s Licenses of low quality, and the use of vehicles without proper roadworthiness certification, all contributing to increased road safety violations and tragedies on Nigerian roads.
Addressing the challenges faced, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) identified speeding, fatigue, and night travel as major causes of road traffic crashes. The FRSC Corps Marshal, represented by ACM Jonas Agwu, urged caution, particularly during the yuletide season, emphasizing the need for drivers to exercise care and responsibility while on the roads.
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