The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says the federal government’s huge investment in road infrastructure and huge visibility on highways have contributed to the reduction in road traffic crashes. 

The FRSC corps marshal, Dauda Biu, said this during a news conference commemorating the 2023 World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Crash Victims on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Biu said the corps had geared towards ensuring that RTCs, deaths and injuries were drastically reduced on Nigerian roads and all variables that contributed to those crashes were outrightly eliminated.

He said these were through innovations, deployment of technology and formulation of policies, saying that the corps had been able to bring down the curve of crashes on the roads.

“From January to September, for instance, the corps achieved a 22 per cent reduction in RTCs, 21.3 per cent reduction in injuries and 23.1 per cent reduction in number of people killed.

“Among the notable factors responsible for these achievements is the injection of new vehicles and rapid expansion of command structure that took place, following the establishment of 39 new area commands, 69 unit commands, one outpost and two zebra commands.

“This expansion has enhanced the visibility of the corps on the highways, as well as broadened the operational base of the corps, ” he said.

Mr Biu commended President Bola Tinubu for his continuous support to issues of safety on the roads through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

He emphasised the theme for the 2023 commemoration, “Justice”, and the slogan “Remember, Support, Act”, which he said spoke volumes of the readiness and resolve of stakeholders.

He also said this was to reawaken the consciousness towards joining forces with the corps to bring the menace to a complete halt in Nigeria.

The FRSC boss reiterated the commitment of the corps as the lead agency in road safety administration in the country, saying the corps would continue in steadfastness and unwavering commitment to duty.

A representative of the Ministry of Health, Sydney Ibeanusi, confirmed the downward slide of RTCs in 2023 in Nigeria.

Mr Ibeanusi commended officers and sister agencies, such as the fire service and Nigeria Police, for always being available during emergencies on the roads to prevent accidents.

He assured that the FG would continue to expend huge resources towards enhancing the transportation system in Nigeria while advising motorists and drivers to always remember other road users when plying the roads.

(NAN)