Road Crashes Kill 3,445 Nigerians In Nine Months, FRSC Reports

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported that 3,445 people lost their lives while 22,292 others sustained injuries in 7,156 road traffic crashes across Nigeria between January and September 2026.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed the figures during a briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Mohammed, who was represented by the Jigawa State Sector Commander, Usman Masa’udu-Matazu, described the statistics as more than figures, noting that they represented lives lost, grieving families and distressed communities.

He identified excessive speeding and reckless driving as major factors contributing to road crashes, urging motorists to make responsible decisions and observe traffic regulations.

The 2026 commemoration is themed “A Light That Unites Us”, while the decade-long campaign slogan is “Remember, Support, Act”.

The FRSC said the annual observance provides an opportunity to honour people killed or seriously injured in road crashes, recognise the work of emergency responders and advocate better support for survivors and bereaved families.

Mohammed disclosed that Nigeria recorded 10,446 road crashes, 5,289 deaths and 33,400 injuries in 2025.

In 2024, the country recorded 9,570 crashes, resulting in 5,421 deaths and 31,154 injuries, while 2023 recorded 10,617 crashes, 5,081 deaths and 31,874 injuries.

He noted that although road crashes declined by 10 per cent in 2024 compared with 2023, fatalities increased by seven per cent.

The Corps Marshal said the FRSC was using data from its Road Traffic Crash Database Management System to identify high-risk locations and improve patrols, enforcement, surveillance and rescue operations.

He added that the Corps had intensified public enlightenment campaigns through religious institutions, schools and the media to promote safer road use.

Mohammed called for stronger collaboration among federal and state governments, transport unions, emergency response agencies, civil society organisations and communities to reduce road crashes.

He also reaffirmed the Corps' commitment to the Marrakech Declaration on Road Safety, adopted at the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in February 2025.

Activities marking the remembrance campaign are scheduled to run from November 9 to 15, with emphasis on remembering victims, supporting affected families and encouraging practical action to improve road safety.