The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed concern over a rise in road traffic crashes across Nigeria, revealing that 5,281 crashes were recorded between January and June 2025, resulting in the loss of 2,838 lives and injuries to 17,818 individuals.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Corps’ 2025 Half-Year Strategy Session held in Abuja on Thursday, Shehu Mohammed, the Corps Marshal, described the surge as “a tough challenge,” noting that the first half of the year witnessed a 3.9% increase in road crashes and a 2.2% rise in fatalities compared to the same period in 2024.
“From January to June, 39,793 people were involved in various road crashes across the country,” Mohammed disclosed. “We have also observed an 8.9% increase in the number of people affected by road crashes. These figures are not just numbers—they represent lives, families, and communities.”
Read also: FRSC records fewer crashes, higher death toll in 2024
Despite these setbacks, the Corps Marshal stressed that the FRSC remains resilient and committed to reducing road traffic deaths, attributing the rise in reported crashes partly to improved data collection and expanded coverage across the country.
“We are no longer underreporting. Our enhanced presence and improved reporting tools have closed the gaps that previously existed. That’s why the numbers are higher—but it doesn’t mean we are failing,” he said.
To tackle the trend, the Corps has intensified enforcement efforts. Within the same period, FRSC operatives arrested 290,887 traffic offenders for 319,798 violations—an increase of 16% and 14.9% respectively from last year’s figures.
Mohammed also highlighted some of the underlying causes of road crashes, including poor vehicle maintenance, aged vehicles, and environmental factors such as the rainy season, which reduces visibility and road traction. He noted that over 30 million passengers travelled in 2.3 million vehicles nationwide within the six-month period, putting enormous pressure on infrastructure and safety enforcement.
Read also: Court restrains FRSC from penalising motorists with faded number plates
In response to these challenges, he said, “The Corps is adopting more technology-driven solutions. These include the use of mobile apps for real-time incident reporting, the soon-to-be-launched digital passenger manifest for improved passenger data tracking, and the introduction of special patrols targeting fake number plates and unsafe vehicles.”
The Corps Marshal also acknowledged ongoing welfare improvements for FRSC personnel, including promotions, prompt salary payments, and plans to establish a Health Management Office to improve access to quality healthcare.
“We are doing our best to motivate our officers and build a more responsive and disciplined workforce,” he said, assuring the public that the Corps is not overwhelmed.
He reiterated the Corps’ resolve to implement stricter enforcement measures in the remaining half of the year and called on stakeholders and road users to cooperate.
