The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi State, Umar Musa Masa’udu, has reiterated the critical importance of road safety, calling on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to saving lives and preventing avoidable road crashes as the world marks the Global Road Safety Week.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lokoja, Commander Masa’udu emphasised that road safety is not just the responsibility of law enforcement agencies but a shared civic duty involving drivers, pedestrians, vehicle owners, policymakers, and transport unions.
“As we join the international community to commemorate Global Road Safety Week, we must reflect on the rising number of preventable road fatalities and injuries in our country. Every life lost on the road is a tragedy that could have been avoided with proper awareness, responsible driving, and strict enforcement of traffic regulations,” Masa’udu said.
The Sector Commander highlighted that the theme of this year’s observance — “Safe Streets for Life” — resonates strongly with the Corps’ mission to create safer road environments and reduce accidents to the barest minimum. He noted that despite growing awareness, human error, speeding, and disregard for safety laws remain leading causes of fatal crashes across Nigeria.
He urged motorists to obey speed limits, use seat belts, avoid drunk driving, and maintain their vehicles regularly. He also appealed to passengers to speak up when drivers exhibit dangerous behaviour.
“In Nigeria, over 40,000 road traffic crashes are recorded annually, according to the FRSC database, with thousands of deaths and life-altering injuries. These numbers are not just statistics; they are human lives — fathers, mothers, children, breadwinners — and we must do everything possible to reduce these figures,” he added.
Commander Masa’udu further stated that the FRSC in Kogi State has intensified patrols and public education, especially along accident-prone corridors. He also praised partnerships with transport unions, schools, and religious groups for their role in spreading road safety messages to wider audiences.
As part of activities to mark the Global Road Safety Week, the FRSC has lined up community engagements, school outreach programmes, and inter-agency collaborations aimed at promoting responsible road use.
With Nigeria committed to the United Nations’ target of reducing road traffic deaths by 50% by 2030, officials like Commander Umar Masa’udu say the time to act is now — through stronger legislation, community-driven education, and a deep-rooted culture of safety.
