The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded 10, 446 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) and 5,289 deaths nationwide in 2025.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said that the data showed a decrease in the numbers of deaths recorded in the same period in 2024.

Mr Mohammed said that while the reduction confirmed that post-crash response interventions were working, it fell short of the corps’ strategic target of a 10 per cent fatality reduction.

He said that it also confirmed that the challenge before the corps was no longer response alone, but prevention, compliance and deterrence.

He stated, “Conversely, the number of persons killed declined from 5,421 to 5,289, representing a 2.4 percent reduction in the same period under review.

“Although, beyond the festive operation, on an annual basis, comparative analysis of 2024 and 2025 crash data shows that total crashes increased by 9.2 per cent from 9,570 to 10,446.

“Fatal crashes rose 2,532 in 2024 to 2,608 in 2025 representing 3.0 per cent, serious crashes by 10.5 per cent that is from 6,131 in 2024 to 6,772 in 2025 and minor crashes from 907 to 1,066 signifying 17.5 percent increase.

“The number of persons injured increased from 31,154 to 33,400 which is a 7.2 percent rise, and the number of people involved increased by 8.0 percent.”

On the other hand, Mr Mohammed said that comparison of 2024 and 2025 passenger and vehicular movement revealed steady growth with passenger traffic rising from 45.16 million in 2024 to 47.47 million, representing a 2.54 per cent increase.

The FRSC boss said that the number of vehicles travelled also increased from 3.65 million to 3.74 million signifying a 1.25 per cent difference.

Mr Mohammed noted, “Luxury bus operations expanded from 26,728 trips to 29,844 trips, a 5.51 per cent difference; and total kilometres covered grew significantly from 4.07 billion kilometres to 4.88 billion kilometres, reflecting a 9.05 per cent difference.

“The data confirms that both vehicle and persons travelled increased significantly in 2025, leading to higher vehicle volumes, mobility and economic activity.”

According to him, despite this increased exposure, fatalities declined by 2.4 per cent, meaning 132 lives were saved compared to 2024. The increase in injuries reflects higher crash occurrence alongside improved postcrash survival and rescue outcomes.

He said, “We therefore measure success not only by targets but by lives preserved. Enforcement and emergency response interventions are working, but they must now be intensified.”

The FRSC boss also said the media remained a critical ally in the corps national road safety agenda, serving as a bridge between policy, enforcement, and the motoring public.

According to him, through their objective reportage and sustained advocacy, they help reinforce safe road use, promote accountability, and keep public attention firmly focused on the imperative of saving lives on the nation’s highways.

Mr Mohammed appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support, strategic guidance, and policy backing extended to the FRSC over the past years.

He also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, for the strong institutional support and coordination that enhanced the corps operational effectiveness.

He stated, “This collective support has been pivotal to the strengthening of the corps’ capacity, professionalism, and resolve in the discharge of its statutory mandate.”

(NAN)