By Aisha Maikudi Abdulkadir
The Federal Road Safety Corps has reported an increase in road traffic crashes and fatalities across Nigeria in the first half of 2025.
According to the Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, 5,281 crashes occurred between January and June, involving 39,793 people, with 2,838 lives lost and 17,818 rescued.
Mohammed disclosed the figures during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday, as part of the 2025 Half-Year Strategy Session.
He noted that the figures represent a 3.9 percent increase in crashes and a 2.2 percent rise in fatalities compared to the same period in 2024.
The corps marshal further revealed that the total number of people involved in road crashes increased by 8.9 percent, signaling what he described as a tough challenge for the corps.
“Available statistics reveals that the first half of 2025 has presented a tough challenge. Between January and June, 5,281 road traffic crashes occurred across the country involving 39,793 people.
“Sadly, 2,838 lives were lost while 17,818 were rescued. This represents an increase in crashes by 3.9 percent and a rise in fatalities by 2.2 percent.
“The total number of people involved in road crashes in the period under review also increased by 8.9 compared to the same period in 2024,” he stated.
In terms of enforcement, the corps recorded a significant uptick in arrests and offences.
“It is also on record that during the same period, FRSC operatives arrested 290,887 traffic offenders for committing 319,798 offences.
“Meanwhile, 250,720 offenders were arrested and 271,895 offences recorded in 2024. This reflects a 16 percent rise in arrests and 14.9 percent increase in offences booked.
“The increase in the percentage of arrests and offences does not reflect FRSC as a weakened institution. On the contrary, it affirms that the corps is more vigilant and responsive to ensuring safety through visible enforcement,” he emphasised.
The corps also tracked high traffic volumes, with over 30 million passengers travelling in 2.3 million vehicles across the national road network in the six-month period.
Notably, Anambra and Kano States alone accounted for 6.5 million passengers, about 22 percent of the national total.
Despite the strain on infrastructure and personnel, Mohammed assured the public of the corps’ resilience.
“Furthermore, in the period under review, over 30 million passengers travelled using 2.3 million vehicles across our national road network. The volume of vehicles and passengers on the roads had a correlative impact on the total number of offenders and offences booked.
“It also called for more effort from our operatives to meet up with the expectations for safety by the motoring public. For instance, Anambra and Kano States alone accounted for over 6.5 million passengers representing 22 percent of the total passenger travels.
“Let me state unequivocally that FRSC is not overwhelmed. The Corps is a resilient and committed agency rising to meet up with the growing national challenge with professionalism and innovation,” Mohammed said.
Highlighting institutional reforms, the corps marshal noted that the House of Representatives passed a Bill on July 22, 2025, to amend the FRSC Establishment Act. The Bill aims to strengthen traffic management, protect personnel and infrastructure, and improve staff welfare.
Mohammed also touted advancements in technology, including the launch of the National Crash Reporting Information System and the FRSC Mobile App.
These tools have improved data reporting, public engagement, and access to emergency services and verification platforms.
He announced plans to establish a Health Management Office to address long-standing concerns among FRSC staff about the quality of healthcare from existing HMOs.
The new office is expected to offer subsidised services and prompt medical interventions for personnel.
Public education efforts have also evolved, with breakfast and town-hall meetings now integral to FRSC’s campaigns.
The corps marshal recounted various accolades the FRSC received in 2024, including the Nigeria Gov-Tech Public Service Award and the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award.
The corps was also ranked first among military and paramilitary institutions by the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity and secured ISO recertification for the fifth time in April 2025.
Internationally, Nigeria continues to play a leading role, with FRSC serving as the Permanent Secretariat for the West African Road Safety Organisation.
“Just last month, Nigeria was elected to host the Permanent Secretariat of the African Association of Lead Agencies in Road Safety Management,” Mohammed revealed.
He attributed these successes to the commitment of the Presidency, FRSC management, and staff. “These achievements have translated the status of the FRSC into a lead agency in road safety administration in Africa,” he said.
Looking ahead, the corps marshal called on all officers to intensify operations and uphold discipline.
“Road crash is a societal challenge, and our response must be strategic, sustained, and supported by all stakeholders.
“We shall continue to demonstrate, in words and in deeds, that FRSC is committed to achieving its statutory mandate,” the corps marshal noted.
He also warned of stricter enforcement measures for the remainder of 2025, including strengthened mobile court sessions and special monitoring operations.
“It is expected that these measures would impact positively on driver behaviour thus ensuring safety on our roads,” Mohammed said.
In his closing remarks, he praised the media for its role in projecting the corps’ activities and educating the public.
“Let us all remember that road safety is a collective responsibility and it behoves on all of us to work towards the desired change for safety and security on our highways,” he said.
Punch