The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mallam Shehu Mohammed, has called on Nigerians to embrace responsible road use and prioritize safety as the nation marks the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
According to an official signed statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, the Corps Marshal made the appeal in a goodwill message commemorating Democracy Day, warning that increased vehicular and human movement during public holidays often leads to a rise in road traffic crashes caused by unsafe driving practices.
Mallam Mohammed noted that Democracy Day, like other major national celebrations, traditionally witnesses heavy traffic across the country as citizens travel to spend time with family members, friends, and loved ones. He cautioned that the increased movement often comes with heightened risks associated with speeding, dangerous overtaking, disregard for traffic regulations, overloading, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
While congratulating Nigerians on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, the Corps Marshal stressed that celebrations should be conducted with a strong sense of responsibility and respect for the safety of all road users.
“No celebration is worth a single life. The true essence of Democracy Day can only be enjoyed when citizens return safely to their homes and loved ones. We must therefore reject all forms of reckless driving and embrace a culture of patience, discipline and consideration on our roads,” he stated.
He urged motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations, avoid excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving against traffic, and other risky behaviours that could endanger lives and property.
The FRSC boss also appealed to passengers to play active roles in promoting road safety by speaking out whenever drivers engage in unsafe practices capable of causing crashes.
According to him, road safety remains a collective responsibility, emphasizing that roads are shared public spaces where the actions of one road user can significantly affect the lives and wellbeing of others.
“As we celebrate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, let us equally demonstrate our commitment to protecting lives through responsible road use. Let us make safety our watchword and ensure that every journey ends in peace,” he added.
Mallam Mohammed further reassured Nigerians of the Federal Road Safety Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads through intensified patrol operations, effective traffic management, and prompt emergency response services throughout the Democracy Day holiday and beyond.
He wished Nigerians a peaceful, memorable, and crash-free Democracy Day celebration, stressing that the greatest success of any celebration is returning home safely.
