Abuja: Nigeria is set to host the inaugural International Road Crash Victims Africa Conference (IRCVAC) in November. The conference aims to amplify the voices of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) victims and their families across the continent.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the announcement was made at a joint press conference in Abuja by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Kwapda’as Road Safety Demand (KRSD) foundation. FRSC Corps Marshal Malam Shehu Mohammed emphasized that the IRCVAC would address the challenges faced by RTCs victims in Africa, as previous global discussions have largely focused on high-income countries.
Mohammed highlighted the necessity of the partnership between FRSC and KRSD to host this African edition. He noted that the conference would bring together experts from various fields related to road safety to spotlight Africa’s issues under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. The event underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Nigeria.
Victims of road traffic crashes, particularly women and children, have faced significant hardships. Mohammed pointed out that many children affected by these incidents face neglect, with some even resorting to drugs. The conference aims to prioritize their plight in global conversations.
Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, founder of KRSD, stated that the conference theme, ‘Gathering Africa and the World for Road Crash Victims,’ will focus on the victims and their families. The KRSD Foundation, established in 2011 in memory of Dongban-Mensem’s late son, is marking its 14th anniversary with a renewed commitment to road safety in Africa.
Dongban-Mensem announced that pre-conference activities, including cycling, walking, and golfing, will begin on November 15 to promote safer mobility and support crash victims. She cited the World Health Organisation’s 2023 report, noting Nigeria’s high traffic death rate of 21.4 per 100,000 population, which exceeds both global and African averages. This data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat road safety issues in the region.
Additionally, she referenced statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics and FRSC, which reveal a troubling number of crashes, fatalities, and injuries in recent periods. These figures represent the devastating impact on families and communities, highlighting the critical need for action in addressing road safety challenges.