Abuja, Oct. 9, 2024 (TheGavel) – Malam Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), expressed confidence that Nigeria can achieve a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths by 2030. This target aligns with the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety.
Mohammed made this statement during the two-day Africa Road Safety Seminar held in Nairobi, Kenya, organized by the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent (IFRC) and the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP). The seminar focuses on strategies to combat road crashes and fatalities in the region.
In his address, Mohammed emphasized the need to address challenges associated with motorcycle operations, which have become prevalent in public transportation across Africa. He highlighted that speed management issues, responsible for nearly half of road fatalities in the region, have been identified and addressed.
“Our goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in road traffic deaths by 2030, in line with the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety,” he stated. “To achieve this, we are intensifying our public enlightenment campaigns, enhancing enforcement, and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders at all levels.”
Mohammed reported significant progress in reducing road crashes, noting a 51% reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) during the 2024 Eid-el Kabir special patrol operations compared to the same period in 2023. He attributed this success to improved patrol operations, enhanced vehicle inspections, and collaboration with state governments.
He called on Nigerians to support the FRSC’s efforts by adhering to traffic rules and regulations. “We will not relent until we achieve this target and ensure sanity is restored on Nigeria’s roads,” he affirmed.
The seminar featured goodwill messages from prominent figures, including Mr. Jean Todt, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, and Mr. Robert Lisinge from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Participants engaged in practical demonstrations using iRAP tools for road assessments and discussions aimed at curbing road crashes.
The UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/74/299 in September 2020, proclaiming the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims to prevent at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. The Global Plan for the Decade of Action emphasizes a holistic approach to road safety, promoting improvements in road and vehicle design, law enforcement, and timely emergency care for the injured.(NAN)
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