By Ruth Dabo
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has revealed that no fewer than two thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight lives were lost to road traffic crashes in the first half of 2025, with a total of five thousand two hundred and eighty-one incidents recorded across the country between January and June.
He made this known during a press briefing at the FRSC Headquarters in Abuja, as part of the 2025 Half-Year Strategy Session.
According to the Corps Marshal, the five thousand two hundred and eighty-one crashes involved thirty-nine thousand seven hundred and ninety-three persons, out of which seventeen thousand eight hundred and eighteen were rescued with varying degrees of injuries. The figure represents a three point nine percent increase in the number of crashes and a two point two percent rise in fatalities compared to the same period in 2024.
Mohammed stated that in terms of enforcement, the Corps recorded a significant increase in traffic violations between January and June 2025. a total of two hundred and ninety thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven traffic offenders were arrested for committing three hundred and nineteen thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight offences, marking a sixteen percent rise in arrests and fourteen point nine percent increase in offences booked.
He clarified that the rise in enforcement activities does not reflect institutional failure but rather demonstrates the Corps’ heightened vigilance and responsiveness to road safety concerns.
The FRSC boss also noted that over thirty million passengers travelled in two point three million vehicles across the country during the first six months of the year. He said states like Anambra and Kano alone accounted for twenty-two percent of that figure, adding that the volume of traffic placed immense pressure on road infrastructure and operational personnel.
Despite the challenges, Mohammed said the Corps remains resilient, with ongoing reforms and innovations aimed at improving efficiency. He announced that the FRSC Establishment Act amendment bill has passed through the House of Representatives and is awaiting concurrence in the Senate.
He also highlighted the deployment of digital tools, including the National Crash Reporting Information System and the FRSC Mobile App, which now provide real-time access to crash data, emergency alerts, and driver verification services.
In a move to improve staff welfare, the Corps Marshal revealed plans to launch the FRSC Health Management Office (HMO), following several complaints regarding poor healthcare delivery from external HMOs.
On the public education front, the Corps has expanded its enlightenment campaigns through breakfast meetings, town hall engagements, and motor park rallies to deepen road safety awareness.
Speaking on the Corps’ rising profile, Mohammed recalled that the FRSC clinched several local and international awards in twenty twenty-four, including the Nigeria Gov-Tech Award for Digital Innovation and the prestigious Kofi Annan Road Safety Award.
The Corps also retained its ISO certification for the fifth consecutive time in April twenty twenty-five.He further revealed that Nigeria has been selected to host the Permanent Secretariat of the African Association of Lead Agencies in Road Safety Management (AARSLA), a World Bank-supported initiative under the Africa Transport Policy framework.
While appreciating the Presidency, stakeholders, and staff for their support, the Corps Marshal reminded the public that road safety remains a shared responsibility.
“As we enter the third quarter of the year, we are strengthening field operations, enhancing discipline, and rolling out stricter enforcement, including mobile court sittings and special patrols to curb reckless driving,” he said.
He concluded by appreciating the media for their continuous support, urging them to keep projecting road safety as a national priority.
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