The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called on motorists across Nigeria to prioritise safety and obey traffic laws as the nation prepares for New Year travel. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed issued the appeal in a statement carried by the Corps Public Education Office, stressing that with heavier traffic and driver fatigue during the festive period, the risk of avoidable crashes rises sharply.
Nigeria road safety
Corps Marshal Mohammed highlighted common causes of road collisions, naming excessive speed, driving under the influence, dangerous overtaking and general disregard for traffic regulations. The FRSC said such behaviour is often compounded by long journeys and driver tiredness during the holiday season, increasing both the likelihood and severity of crashes.
In the statement, Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer Olusegun Ogungbemide said drivers must be proactive about safety. He advised motorists to check that their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off, to observe statutory speed limits, and to avoid alcohol or drug use while behind the wheel. Remaining attentive and well‑rested were also stressed as simple but vital measures.
To bolster enforcement and emergency response, the FRSC confirmed that personnel have been strategically deployed along major highways and critical corridors nationwide. The deployed teams will manage traffic flow, conduct safety checks, attend to incidents and provide swift assistance where necessary, the Corps said.
The agency’s deployment plan is intended to reduce congestion, shorten response times to crashes and ensure that rules are actively enforced during peak movement. The FRSC also urged road users to cooperate with officers and comply with directions, noting that compliance helps officers perform their duties more effectively and reduces risks for everyone on the road.
Public education remains a central element of the Corps’ approach. The FRSC said it will continue to remind drivers of basic safety measures and to encourage passengers and commercial transport operators to prioritise lawful, safe conduct. Operators of passenger vehicles were specifically urged to ensure that vehicles meet safety standards and that drivers take regular breaks on long trips.
Statistics from previous festive seasons, the Corps noted, show a pattern of increased incidents linked to speeding and fatigue. By contrast, periods with strong enforcement and widespread adherence to rules have recorded fewer serious crashes. The FRSC therefore framed its appeal as both preventative and practical, urging motorists to help reduce the human and economic cost of road accidents.
As part of its message, the Corps Marshal extended good wishes to Nigerians, calling for a peaceful and crash‑free New Year. He reminded the public that small acts—keeping to speed limits, avoiding reckless overtaking and not driving while intoxicated—can save lives and prevent devastating losses.
The FRSC’s appeal comes as millions of Nigerians travel for celebrations, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility on the roads. Motorists were asked to plan journeys, ensure adequate rest, and to report hazards or emergencies to the nearest FRSC post or through official contact channels.
Key Takeaways:
- FRSC warns against speeding, drunk driving and dangerous overtaking during increased New Year travel.
- Drivers urged to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and to avoid alcohol or drug use while driving.
- Personnel have been deployed on major highways to manage traffic and respond to emergencies.
- FRSC appeals for vigilance to help ensure a peaceful, crash‑free start to 2026.
