Yusuf Bolugun, Abuja
No fewer than 3,400 people lost their lives in road crashes across the country between January and September 2025, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, who disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, said 22,162 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in 6,858 recorded crashes during the period.
Mohammed spoke at a press conference marking the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign with the theme: “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”
According to him, most of the accidents were caused by driver fatigue, overloading, use of haulage vehicles to convey passengers, and transportation of fuel in plastic containers.
“Apparently, driver behaviour is a fundamental element in determining safety on our highways. It is expected that the 2025 end-of-year campaign will create the needed awareness for drivers to take road safety more seriously,” he said.
The FRSC boss said the ember months’ campaign was aimed at reducing the surge in crashes usually recorded between December 15 and January 15, especially during festive travels.
He said the Corps would deploy personnel and Special Marshals along major highways, conduct free vehicle checks, organise motor park rallies, and hold town hall meetings with transport unions and other stakeholders.
“These measures, in addition to our routine enforcement operations, are designed to raise awareness against reckless driving usually associated with the ember months,” Mohammed added.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing measures would help reduce crashes and deaths on the nation’s roads.
The Corps Marshal also said the FRSC had improved driver training through stronger collaboration with driving schools and fleet operators, and reactivated mobile courts to sanction offenders caught for speeding and overloading.
He further disclosed that plans were underway to relaunch the FRSC Annual Lecture Series to promote national dialogue on road safety as a public health issue, adding that the Corps would host an International Conference on Road Crash Victims in Africa from November 16 to 18, 2025, in partnership with the KRSD Road Safety Foundation.
“I urge all Nigerians to support the Corps as we strive to create a safer motoring environment for our dear nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Plateau State, the Sector Commander, Olajide Mogaji, said the command had deployed 1,500 personnel across the state for the ember months operation.
Speaking at the command’s headquarters in Jos, Mogaji cautioned drivers against reckless behaviours on the road.
“Road crashes are no respecters of any vehicle, politicians, traditional rulers or religious leaders. It’s a clarion call for us to do it right on the road. Safety first,” he said.
In Bauchi State, Sector Commander Apaji Boyi said 432 persons died and 2,070 sustained injuries in road crashes across the state within one month.
He listed the major causes of the crashes to include driver fatigue, overloading, conveyance of persons in haulage vehicles, and transportation of fuel in plastic containers.
“These infringements also include speed limit violations, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, failure to use seat belts, and using phones while driving,” Boyi said.
He appealed to motorists and road users to support the FRSC in its efforts to ensure safer roads and reduce avoidable crashes nationwide.