ABUJA — In a landmark push for behavioural change on Nigerian roads, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has unveiled a novel initiative — the “Drive Right, Drive Smart” International Road Safety Film Festival — aimed at promoting road safety through visual storytelling and youth engagement.
Corps Marshal Dauda Ali Biu, represented by the Assistant Corps Marshal for Policy, Research, and Statistics, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja where he highlighted the Corps’ recent strides in road safety education, public enlightenment, and strategic partnerships.
The event marked a significant milestone in FRSC’s mission to reduce road crashes and cultivate a culture of safety among Nigerian road users. According to the Corps Marshal, the film festival is the first of its kind in Nigeria and is being delivered in collaboration with the I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative (IFON), a youth-focused organisation committed to nation-building through innovation and advocacy.
“This film festival represents a fresh and creative approach to road safety advocacy,” said Shehu Mohammed. “It leverages the power of storytelling and celebrity influence to instil safe driving habits in young people and the general public, while complementing our traditional education and enforcement campaigns.”
He noted that through the film festival, short films, documentaries, and skits will be used to highlight common traffic violations, their consequences, and the human cost of reckless driving. The platform will also create opportunities for young filmmakers and advocates to contribute meaningfully to the national road safety conversation.
The initiative comes at a time when road traffic accidents remain a leading cause of death and disability in Nigeria, particularly among the youth population. Data from the FRSC shows that human factors — including speeding, distracted driving, and disregard for traffic regulations — account for more than 80% of crashes on Nigerian roads.
According to Mohammed, the film festival is designed not only to raise awareness but to inspire a mindset shift that aligns with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), which seeks to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50%.
The IFON team, led by its Executive Director, praised the FRSC for embracing an inclusive and forward-thinking model of public education. “We believe storytelling has the power to save lives, and this partnership signals a new era in civic advocacy,” the director stated.
The Drive Right, Drive Smart film festival is scheduled to commence later this year, featuring entries from across Nigeria and other African countries. The FRSC confirmed that entries will be judged by a panel comprising road safety experts, film professionals, and civil society leaders, with top submissions receiving awards and nationwide recognition.
The Corps urged stakeholders, including schools, media organisations, transport unions, and corporate sponsors, to support the initiative and amplify its reach.
As the festival gears up to hit screens, the FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to using every available medium — from traditional enforcement to digital campaigns — to make Nigerian roads safer for all.
