The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has called on motorists across Nigeria to adopt safer driving practices and take personal responsibility for protecting lives and property on the roads.
Mohammed made the appeal in Port Harcourt during the launch of the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.” He explained that the campaign seeks to reduce road crashes and fatalities commonly associated with the festive season by promoting safer behaviors among all road users.
He revealed that between January and September 2025, Nigeria recorded 7,715 road traffic crashes, marking a 10.04% increase compared to 7,011 crashes during the same period in 2024. Fatalities also rose to 3,915 in 2025, up from 3,811 in 2024, representing an 11.55% increase.
However, in Rivers State, the statistics for the same period showed 15 fatalities and 51 injuries across 47 reported crashes, reflecting a 35.7% decrease in deaths and a 37.5% reduction in crash-related injuries compared to 2024.
Mohammed explained that Rivers State was chosen for the national campaign flag-off due to its strategic position as one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors. He assured that FRSC personnel have been deployed nationwide to enhance road safety during the Ember Months through intensified patrols, strict enforcement, and public awareness initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Governor Siminalayi Fubara emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility, not solely that of government agencies. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the governor urged citizens to treat road safety as a daily commitment rather than a seasonal concern.
“It is alarming that the Ember Months, a period meant for celebration, often witness preventable tragedies,” Governor Fubara said. “Ensuring safety on our roads is the duty of every citizen.”
He commended the FRSC for its ongoing efforts to reduce accidents through awareness campaigns and partnerships with stakeholders. As a riverine state, Rivers will also extend the safety campaign to maritime transport users, including boat and canoe operators.
Governor Fubara pledged that his administration would continue to invest in critical infrastructure and collaborate with security agencies, transport unions, and community leaders to curb unsafe practices such as drunk driving, speeding, and neglecting the use of life jackets.
