The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has raised the alarm over the growing number of youths who lose their lives in road crashes across the country.
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Key Highlights
- FRSC says youths are the most vulnerable group in road crashes in Nigeria.
- Zonal Commander (South South) Essien Owolabi spoke in Port Harcourt to mark the 2026 Road Crash Victims Remembrance Day.
- Nigeria recorded 10,617 road crashes in 2023, claiming 5,081 lives and injuring 31,874 people.
- The corps targets a 50 percent reduction in casualties by 2030.
- The Rivers Sector Command has launched a zero-fatality yuletide operation.
FRSC Zonal Commander (South South), Essien Owolabi, raised the alarm during an engagement with journalists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, to mark the 2026 Road Crash Victims Remembrance Day.
Owolabi, who said that the corps targets 50 percent casualty reduction by 2030, noted that this year’s theme, “A Light That Unites Us,” was initiated to further amplify the global voice of road victims and their bereaved families.
While identifying the youths as most vulnerable in road crashes, Owolabi emphasised that the trend, if not checked, would continue to weaken the economy of not only victims’ families but the nation in general.
“In 2023, for instance, Nigeria recorded 10,617 road traffic crashes which claimed 5,081 lives and injured 31,874 persons, a significant proportion of whom were children and youth,” she said.
Remembering Road Crash Victims
The FRSC zonal commander, therefore, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment towards ensuring reduced fatality and serious injuries on Nigerian roads.
She also said that the zone, alongside others, has initiated activities towards identifying with accident victims as she encouraged stakeholders to key in to show support and solidarity.
“The aim of this exercise is basically to remember road crash victims or those seriously injured.
“We also during this period acknowledge the crucial contributions of emergency services, and advocate better support for victims and their families,” she said.
Describing as alarming the casualty rate associated with road traffic incidents, Owolabi said the corps has intensified efforts to ensure a safer road culture to check the menace.
“The corps has intensified public enlightenment campaigns nationwide in loading bays, churches, mosques, media, schools and other public places.
“We are also using data from the road traffic crash database management system to patrol high-risk areas for enforcement, surveillance and rescue operations,” she said.
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Zero-Fatality Yuletide Operation in Rivers
Meanwhile, the Rivers Sector Commander, Francis Ajatta, said the command has launched a zero-fatality yuletide operation in Rivers State.
Ajatta said route officers have been deployed for traffic control at strategic flash points in the state to provide prompt response to road crash incidents.
“For prompt rescue of crash victims, the command has partnered with the Rivers State Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Management Agency on ambulance rescue services,” Ajatta said.
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