Metro
X-raying the Impact of NaRSAC on Seamless Implementation of Nigeria Road Safety Strategy Document II: FRSC Shehu Mohammed Perspective
By Olusegun Ogungbemide
The inauguration of the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) Committee by the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest for road safety.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states, a Federal Capital Territory Abuja and 774 Local Government Areas. With a total of 923,768 square kilometres and human population of well over 170 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, the most populous black nation and currently the 7th most populous nation in the world.
The total road network which is estimated at 200,183km (comprising 36,183km federal, 32,000km State and 132,000km of Local roads) has earned Nigeria her rank as the country with the second largest road network in Africa as at 2019. Currently, more than 95% of urban transportation in Nigeria is done by road, and about 70% of these trips are by public transport.
This huge burden placed on road transportation sector makes it extremely herculean a task to handle the administration of safety, as well as management of traffic on Nigerian roads.
The fact remains that no single government, or agency of government left alone, can boast of having the sole capacity to combat the menace of road traffic crashes and entrench safety on the roads. That is why the task of road safety is basically a collective effort. It requires the combined efforts of both the public and private sector, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies as well as traditional institutions amongst others.
This analysis brings to the fore, the potential impact of the NaRSAC Committee on the implementation of Nigeria Road Safety Strategy Document II as well as provides a comprehensive overview of the NaRSAC committee’s potential impact on Nigeria’s road transportation sector.
Recall that the United Nations embarked on Decade of Action against road crashes, injuries and fatalities in the break of the new millennium. This decade of action is anchored on safe system approach, leveraging on the 5 pillars namely; safer roads, safer road users, safer vehicles, road safety administration and post crash care. Apart from emphasizing on achieving reduction in road crashes by 50%, it also targets to achieve a universe where crashes result in zero death.
To achieve this feat, member countries were mandated to develop a strategy document spanning through a decade that would identify critical stakeholders, including all the tiers and arms of government and apportion responsibilities and roles to every key player. This led to the development of NRSS document. The idea behind it is to have an all inclusive approach to road safety in Nigeria, where everyone has a role to play.
The Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) document II is the second edition of an action plan to improve road safety in Nigeria and align with safety management approach with global best practices. With the maiden edition (NRSS 2014-2018) reaching its terminal phase in 2018, a comprehensive review of the strategy was necessary, not just to pursue the adopted policy path, but also to enrich core contents, improve on implementation methodology, and generally consolidate the tremendous gains of the first edition.
Thus the NRSS II (2021-2030) advances the progress already made and charts a way forward. NRSS II, therefore, articulates the multi-sectoral activities that are necessary for the achievement of Nigeria’s much desired road safety and outlines the country’s roadmap for reducing road crashes and fatalities. The document identifies key strategies, including: Improving road infrastructure, Enhancing vehicle safety standards, Strengthening enforcement and regulation, as well as, Promoting public awareness and education.
The NaRSAC committee’s primary responsibility is to implement all strategic initiatives provided in the document as a guide on road safety implementation in Nigeria. They will also coordinate stakeholder engagement, monitor implementation progress and advise on resource allocation.
The committee’s inauguration will definitely usher in a new dawn for road safety in Nigeria. It is expected amongst others to enhance policy coordination and streamline road safety efforts across federal, state, and local governments; Improve stakeholder engagement by fostering collaboration among government agencies, private sector, and civil society organizations; boost implementation, as well as accelerate progress toward achieving the Strategy Document’s goals, and also Increase resource allocation by attracting funding and resources from government, private sector, and international partners.
As the lead agency that superintends over the administration of safety in the country, the Federal Road Safety Corps has already commenced putting all necessary measures in place to ensure a seamless implementation of the strategies in the document. Under the leadership of the present Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed deployment of technology as well as staff capacity development programmes have been introduced. This is to ensure that the staff are well prepared to handle the technological aspect of the combat mission against crashes on our roads.
With the inauguration of this committee, the Corps, as well as the country is set for better days and it is hoped that the members will wake up to the task ahead and commit their time to the realisation of the mandate of the Committee.
In addition to the aforementioned impacts of this inauguration, the corporate strategic goal of the Corps projected to reduce road crashes in Nigeria by 5% at the end of 2024 has actually gotten a credible boost and the Corps will sure take absolute advantage of this development to make Nigerian roads safer than they already are.
Obviously, the Corps now has a greater commitment of requesting from all stakeholders to share in the vision that Road Safety as an agenda needs more attention, more care, and more funding.
We are absolutely committed to improving our visibility, performance, rescue response time, technology driven operations, and respect for law-abiding road users. So that together as we enjoy shared responsibilities as stakeholders we can do more, we can do better and we can save more lives and properties of Nigerian citizens for the ultimate economic growth and development of our Nation.
Let me congratulate the motoring public, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and of course, the Federal Road Safety Corps for this great achievement.
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
The FCT Police Command has successfully rescued five kidnapped victims following an intensive joint rescue operation conducted in the Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Acting on recent kidnapping incidents within Paze community in Byazhin area, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, PhD, FCAI, personally led a clearance operation with a team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the NPF Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and Kubwa Area Command, in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups.
On 9th June, 2026, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the joint security team launched an intensive search, clearance, and rescue operation across Paze and Byazhin communities. During the operation, the team engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralization of two suspects and the arrest of two others identified as Icheh Mohammadu and Abubakar Usman, while other gang members fled into nearby hills with varying degrees of bullet wounds. During the operation, the police team also recovered two AK-47 rifles with magazines. The Command therefore calls on healthcare practitioners, private and public hospitals, and members of the public to promptly report any individual presenting gunshot related injuries or seeking treatment under suspicious circumstances.
The sustained pressure mounted on the criminal elements forced them to abandon five hostages, who were promptly rescued unharmed.
The rescued victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families. Meanwhile, search operations continue across the general area and adjoining communities aimed at apprehending the fleeing suspects and dismantling the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery, resilience, and professionalism displayed by the operatives and supporting local security volunteers during the operation. He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security conscious and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 07057337653.
Ecobank Nigeria has concluded all preparations for the fifth edition of the highly anticipated Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience, reaffirming its readiness to host local and international brands, partners, customers and visitors at the four-day fair scheduled to hold from June 11 to 14, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Bank has put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless, secure and memorable experience for exhibitors and attendees, further underscoring its commitment to promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship and intra-African trade.
Among the international exhibitors confirmed for this year’s edition are Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class from Sierra Leone, Drame Khadidatou from Senegal, Tampoori from Ghana, and Naylah Collection from the Republic of Benin. Their participation highlights the growing continental appeal of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience as a platform for cultural exchange, business collaboration and market access across Africa.
The event will also feature more than 100 exhibitors and vendors, including leading Nigerian brands such as Obida Design Associates, This Is Us, Imani Kids, Ashabi Fads, E25Dresses, Miné by Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Buss Fabrics Store, Aina Aladire and many others, showcasing the richness of African craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the Bank’s preparedness for the event, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said all arrangements have been successfully concluded to deliver a rewarding experience for exhibitors, partners, customers and visitors throughout the four-day fair.
According to her, attendees can look forward to a vibrant showcase of fashion, craftsmanship, art, music, culture and entrepreneurship, with participants drawn from Nigeria and several other African countries.
“We are fully prepared and excited to welcome guests from across Nigeria and the African continent to another edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience. From exhibition spaces and cultural showcases to networking opportunities and customer engagement activities, every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for all attendees,” Odu said.
She added: “The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience continues to evolve as a unique platform that connects creatives, entrepreneurs and consumers from across Africa. Attendees can look forward to exceptional products, interactive sessions, entertainment, cultural exhibitions and valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore new markets and expand their businesses.”
Over the years, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting indigenous textile production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and showcasing the ingenuity of African creatives. The event has also played a significant role in expanding market access for businesses while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond the exhibition, participants will have opportunities to network, explore business partnerships, discover unique products and experience the diversity and vibrancy of African culture. The event is open to the public, and visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, fashion, enterprise and entertainment in a grand celebration of Africa’s creative economy.
