By Nkechi Eze
As Nigeria prepares to commemorate the 2025 edition of Democracy Day on Thursday, June 12, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a call for vigilance and moderation on the roads during the national public holiday. The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, urged Nigerians to prioritize safety, show restraint, and exercise care for fellow road users while travelling.
The appeal was made through an official statement signed by the FRSC Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Olusegun Ogungbemide, who conveyed the Corps Marshal’s message ahead of the expected surge in vehicular and human traffic associated with public holidays.
Describing Democracy Day as a time of increased mobility across the country, the Corps Marshal cautioned that improper coordination of road activities during the holiday could lead to preventable accidents and loss of lives.
“Public holidays such as Democracy Day have always attracted heightened use of the road by motorists visiting friends, families and loved ones,” Shehu Mohammed said. “Past records have shown that such movements often result in the undermining of traffic regulations, which unfortunately leads to road carnage. We therefore urge Nigerians to guard against reckless behaviours that threaten safety on our highways.”
He emphasized the need for road users to remain mindful that the roads are shared public spaces and that responsible conduct is key to maintaining order and ensuring safety for all.
“We are aware that the Federal Government has declared Thursday, June 12, 2025, as a work-free day to enable all Nigerians observe the Democracy Day in peace, reflection and celebration,” the Corps Marshal stated. “That jubilant atmosphere must not be allowed to be undermined by those who drive recklessly and endanger the lives of others.”
Reiterating the FRSC’s commitment to creating a safer road environment, the Corps Marshal advised motorists to adhere strictly to road safety regulations, drive responsibly, avoid travelling against traffic, and completely abstain from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He further urged Nigerians to embrace a culture of safety not only during the public holiday but at all times, noting that only the living can celebrate.
“As you observe the day, we enjoin everyone to show sincere commitment to safety regulations by driving with care, obeying the traffic rules and especially, avoiding reckless practices,” he said.
While congratulating Nigerians on the 26th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance, which the June 12 Democracy Day symbolises, Shehu Mohammed reaffirmed the FRSC’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives on the road throughout the celebration period and beyond.
He concluded with a message of goodwill, saying: “We wish all Nigerians a happy and safe Democracy Day celebration. Remember, it is only the living that can celebrate.”
