Road safety week: FRSC commits to data-driven road safety, sustainability

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safer roads through data-driven interventions, stakeholder collaboration and advocacy for sustainable transport systems in Nigeria.

The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed gave the assurance during the joint briefing to commemorate the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme for the 8th edition ‘Make Walking Safe, Make Cycling Safe’, spotlights the need to prioritise non-motorised transportation in road safety strategies.

Mohammed was represented by the Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM), in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, (PRS), Mr Clement Oladele.

He said that FRSC was leveraging the Road Traffic Crash Database Management System (RTCDMS) to monitor high-risk areas and deploy patrol teams for timely enforcement, surveillance and rescue operations.

He said that the Corps was actively working with stakeholders across federal and state levels to implement the second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030).

This, he said, was with a focus on integrating non-motorised transportation policies that prioritised pedestrians and cyclists.

Mohammed also noted FRSC’s endorsement of the Marrakech Declaration adopted at the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, which called for a people-centered, zero-death transport system.

“Transport systems should never prioritise speed or cost over human life. We must ensure roads are safe, accessible and inclusive.

“The campaign is not for FRSC alone, but a collective responsibility involving government bodies, media, civil society, and all road users.

“The time to act is now. Let’s commit to safer roads for all, where no life is lost needlessly,” the Corps Marshal said.

Speaking, a UN envoy, Prof. Yusuf John-Suberu, said that the road safety week was a call on every stakeholder to give attention to the vulnerable road users.

John-Suberu said that focus had always been on road building for vehicles rather than building people, adding that it had always led to an increase in road fatalities and serious injuries.

He said that vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, particularly children deserve the utmost attention.

“We call on governments, policymakers and stakeholders to consider road designs that are all inclusive with adequate roads signs and signals with emphasis on pedestrian Walkways.

“Government and relevant authorities should remove all hawkers on pedestrian bridges across the country. Our road designs should also consider people with disabilities to use roads without hindrance.

“We the NGOs are committed to collaborative efforts that promote road safety awareness, reduce accidents, and save lives. We are also committed to join hands with the FRSC in implementing the Marrakech Declaration,” he said.

John-Suberu commended the Corps Marshal and his team for their tireless efforts in enforcing traffic regulations, educating the public, and responding to emergencies.

He called on the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to prioritise road safety by allocating increased funding for the FRSC.

He also called on International organisations and development partners to provide necessary technical assistance to road safety agencies, resources, and expertise to enhance the capacity to address road safety challenges in Africa.

The UN envoy tasked leaders to commit to meaningful actions, ensuring that road safety was a priority for all.

“Road safety is a collective responsibility that requires everyone’s active involvement. Together, let’s make walking and cycling safe for everyone, everywhere.

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