By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed concern over a troubling rise in road traffic crashes and fatalities across the country in the first half of 2025, even as it reaffirmed its commitment to intensified enforcement and safety interventions in the months ahead.
This was disclosed during a press briefing by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, on Tuesday, July 23, 2025, following the 2025 Half-Year Strategic Session held in Abuja. The session was convened to assess the Corps’ operational performance and recalibrate strategies to meet the growing demands of road safety management in Nigeria.
According to available statistics presented by the Corps Marshal, a total of 5,281 road traffic crashes occurred nationwide between January and June 2025, involving 39,793 persons. Tragically, 2,838 people lost their lives, while 17,818 were rescued. The figures represent a 3.9% increase in crashes and a 2.2% rise in fatalities compared to the same period in 2024. The number of individuals involved in crashes also jumped by 8.9%.
During the same period, FRSC operatives arrested 290,887 traffic offenders for committing 319,798 offences, marking a 16% increase in arrests and a 14.9% rise in booked offences compared to 2024. The Corps Marshal stressed that the increased arrests should not be interpreted as institutional weakness but rather as proof of greater vigilance and proactive enforcement across the country.
“Our commitment to enforcement has never been stronger,” Shehu Mohammed stated. “We are not overwhelmed. The FRSC remains resilient and adaptive, rising to the challenge with professionalism and innovation.”
He further revealed that over 30 million passengers travelled using 2.3 million vehicles across Nigeria’s road network in the review period. The sheer volume of movement, he noted, placed significant pressure on both road infrastructure and the Corps’ personnel. Anambra and Kano States alone accounted for over 6.5 million passenger movements, representing 22% of the national total.
Recounting the agency’s recent achievements, the Corps Marshal announced that the FRSC Establishment Act Amendment Bill, which seeks to enhance traffic management powers, protect personnel and infrastructure, and improve staff welfare, was passed by the House of Representatives on July 22, 2025, and is now awaiting Senate concurrence.
He also listed several key reforms implemented over the past year, including the launch of the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) and the FRSC Mobile App, both of which have improved crash data reporting, driver verification, blackspot alerts, and emergency response capabilities. Additionally, efforts are underway to establish the FRSC Health Management Office to provide subsidized and quality healthcare services for staff, addressing longstanding grievances with external HMOs.
On the public enlightenment front, the Corps has introduced innovative engagement methods such as town-hall and breakfast meetings integrated into park rallies to bolster awareness. “These platforms promote idea exchange in a relaxed atmosphere and deepen the public’s understanding of traffic laws and road safety culture,” the Corps Marshal noted.
He further highlighted the Corps’ accolades in 2024, including the Nigeria Gov-Tech Public Service Award, the Best Federal MDA in Digital Management, the prestigious Kofi Annan Road Safety Award, and top rankings by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity. The FRSC also secured ISO recertification for the fifth time in April 2025.
Internationally, the Corps has continued to shine. It serves as the Permanent Secretariat for the West African Road Safety Organization (WARSO) and was recently elected to host the Permanent Secretariat of the African Association of Lead Agencies in Road Safety Management (AARSLA), a World Bank-funded initiative in collaboration with the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP).
“These recognitions are a testament to the support of the Presidency and the hard work of our personnel across all levels of command,” he said, stressing that the FRSC’s growing global status is reflective of its determination to lead Africa’s road safety agenda.
As the Corps prepares for the third quarter of the year, Shehu Mohammed directed all Commanding Officers to intensify field operations, uphold discipline, and maintain the core values of the institution. He emphasized that road crashes are a societal challenge that must be tackled through a strategic, collective, and sustained response from all stakeholders.
To curb traffic infractions, he announced that FRSC would embark on special enforcement operations, strengthen mobile court prosecutions, and deploy targeted monitoring operations to apprehend errant drivers. “The goal is to influence behaviour and ensure compliance with traffic regulations,” he said.
In his closing remarks, the Corps Marshal acknowledged the vital role of the media in shaping public perception and promoting road safety. “Your consistent projection, critique, and encouragement have helped us to improve our processes,” he said. “Let us all remember that road safety is a collective responsibility. Together, we can achieve a Nigeria with zero traffic deaths.”
