Over 3,400 Nigerians Died in Road Accidents This Year, FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) announced on Monday that at least 3,445 people lost their lives in road traffic accidents across Nigeria from January to September 2026.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed shared this information during a press briefing with important stakeholders in Abuja. This event marks the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which runs from today until November 15.

Mohammed noted that this year's remembrance is focused on turning our thoughts into actions and showing compassion through measurable steps. He reported that there were 7,156 crashes in the same period, resulting in 22,292 injuries.

He described these numbers as a reflection of the human cost of road accidents. Behind each statistic are real lives lost, families torn apart, and communities grieving. "These figures represent more than statistics; they are human lives lost, families shattered and communities thrown into grief," he said.

The Corps Marshal pointed out that excessive speed and dangerous driving are significant causes of road traffic accidents. He mentioned that the FRSC is working hard to enforce laws, educate the public, and engage stakeholders to improve road safety all over the country.

"Excessive speed and dangerous driving behaviours remain major contributors to road traffic crashes. Every reckless decision on the road has the potential to extinguish a life and leave behind a family in perpetual sorrow."

He continued, saying that road safety is a collective responsibility and a moral obligation. As the main agency for road safety and traffic management, the FRSC is focused on increasing enforcement, public awareness, and working with various groups across Nigeria.

Using their Road Traffic Crash Database Management System (RTCDMS), they identify dangerous areas and send personnel for focused patrols, surveillance, enforcement, and rescue operations. Mohammed reaffirmed the FRSC's pledge to follow the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021, 2030. This program aims to cut road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50 percent by 2030.

He called on government agencies, transport unions, the media, civil society groups, and emergency response teams to work closely with the FRSC. He also urged drivers to follow traffic laws, respect speed limits, avoid distractions, use safety belts, and protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

"The greatest tribute to road traffic victims is to ensure that their memories inspire actions capable of saving other lives," he said. Pavel Ursu, the WHO Country Representative, spoke about the annual event's importance in remembering road crash victims and renewing the commitment to prevent future tragedies.

He mentioned that this year's theme, "A Light That Unites Us," encourages turning remembrance into action, empathy into support, and awareness into commitment. Ursu added that around 1.2 million people die each year in road traffic accidents worldwide, with injuries being the leading cause of death for children and young people aged five to 29.

More than 90 percent of these deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries. According to him, these deaths and injuries can be prevented through better road infrastructure, stronger law enforcement, improved road user behavior, safer vehicles, and effective post-crash care.

He highlighted the African Road Safety Charter, which came into effect on March 12, 2026. This charter is Africa's first legally binding framework aimed at improving road safety. He congratulated Nigeria for being one of the first countries to ratify this charter.

He pointed out that long-term investment in safer roads, enforcement, trauma care, and crash data systems is crucial for meeting its goals. "WHO and the wider UN system will continue to support Nigeria through evidence-based policies, stronger institutions, safer infrastructure, improved crash data systems, and enhanced emergency services," he said.

Dr Olarenwaju Olatunji, who is in charge of the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety and Traffic Injury Prevention, added that this annual event is more than just a day to remember those who have died. It is also a time to recognize survivors living with injuries, affected families, and emergency responders.

He expressed gratitude to the FRSC, WHO, relevant government bodies, development partners, and others for their efforts in road safety advocacy and implementation in Nigeria. Olatunji also offered solidarity to families who have lost loved ones and to survivors facing the aftermath of road traffic accidents.