Abuja: The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, has issued a comprehensive policy directive to combat the increasing trend of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) nationwide. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Mohammed highlighted recent crash data, which revealed a concerning pattern that necessitates urgent and decisive action by all FRSC commands.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the analysis of 2024-2025 crash data indicates a 9.2 percent increase in total crashes, a 10.5 percent rise in serious crashes, and a 17.5 percent uptick in minor crashes, despite a slight 2.4 percent decline in fatalities. Mohammed noted that although the reduction in deaths is a positive sign, it remains fragile, pointing to systemic issues in road safety.
Mohammed emphasized that the data underscores a crisis of exposure, weak compliance, declining deterrence, and persistent indiscipline, rather than a lack of laws or awareness. In response, the FRSC will implement policy directions as standing operational orders nationwide, transitioning from routine patrols to intelligence-led, risk-based enforcement.
Crash Intelligence Desks will be established at all sector commands to conduct weekly hotspot analyses and ensure mandatory deployment to high-risk corridors. The Corps Marshal declared a zero-tolerance enforcement regime targeting the ‘Big Five’ traffic offences, which account for over 70 percent of fatal and serious crashes, including speed violation, dangerous driving, and driving under the influence.
Mohammed announced that speed management would become a national operational priority, with full compliance with speed limit devices on commercial vehicles being strictly enforced. The policy will include re-certification audits and public sanctioning of non-compliant fleet operators.
In terms of public education, the FRSC will shift from generic awareness campaigns to behavior-change communication, targeting commercial drivers, private motorists, motorcyclists, and fleet operators through various platforms, including the National Traffic Radio and outdoor campaigns.
Crash outcomes will play a central role in the Corps’ Command Accountability Framework, with quarterly performance scorecards tracking crash reduction, fatality reduction, and enforcement intensity. The FRSC remains committed to post-crash response, focusing on faster response times and stronger partnerships with hospitals to sustain and reduce fatalities.
Mohammed stressed that the rising number of crashes is a failure of compliance and declared that the era of routine patrols without impact is over, reaffirming the FRSC’s mandate to prevent crashes, enforce compliance, and save lives.