- Tinubu maintained that his administration is prioritising safer mobility through major infrastructure projects
- the President noted that more than 1.19 million people die annually in road crashes globally
- He described road deaths as a national emergency that can no longer be ignored
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending the alarming rise in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) across the country, insisting that Nigeria must work towards a future where preventable accidents no longer claim innocent lives.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the President made the pledge in Abuja during the opening of the International Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims Conference, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Tank Collapse in Jigawa Kills Four Women, Injures Others
- When a Private Storm Turns into Public Curriculum
- Court Sentences Press Worker to Life Imprisonment for Abusing Minor
He described road deaths as a national emergency that can no longer be ignored.
Tinubu explained that the theme of this year’s event, “Gathering Africa and the World for Road Crash Victims,” reflects a shared resolve to tackle what he termed an epidemic affecting countless families and communities.
The conference, organised by the KRSD Foundation in collaboration with the FRSC, brought together survivors, safety advocates, policymakers and development partners.
Referencing World Health Organisation data, the President noted that more than 1.19 million people die annually in road crashes globally, while another 50 million suffer injuries of varying severity.
He stressed that nearly every Nigerian has either been affected or knows someone who has suffered a road crash, adding that many victims continue to live with lifelong scars and emotional trauma.
Tinubu maintained that his administration is prioritising safer mobility through major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, nationwide road rehabilitation, and the expansion of rail and water transport systems to reduce pressure on highways.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and embrace global best practices under the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, saying concrete action is needed to reverse rising fatalities.
The President also commended plans to establish a private sector–driven trauma centre for crash victims and applauded the KRSD Foundation’s partnership with the FRSC.
In his remarks, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed called for stronger global commitment to road safety and noted that the Abuja conference the first of its kind worldwide underscores a renewed dedication to protecting victims and reducing casualties.
FURTHER READING
