The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed that 3,445 people lost their lives in road traffic crashes across Nigeria between January and September 2026.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, revealed this on Monday during a joint press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
According to him, a total of 7,156 road crashes were recorded nationwide within the nine-month period, leaving 22,292 people injured.
Mohammed described the figures as a disturbing reflection of the human cost of road accidents, stressing that every casualty represents a life lost, a family thrown into mourning and a community affected by tragedy.
He identified excessive speeding and dangerous driving habits as major causes of road crashes, warning motorists against reckless behaviour on the highways.
The FRSC boss said the Corps had intensified enforcement operations, public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement to improve road safety across the country.
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He also explained that the agency uses its Road Traffic Crash Database Management System to identify accident-prone routes and strategically deploy personnel for patrols, surveillance, enforcement and emergency rescue operations.
Mohammed urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, respect speed limits, avoid distractions while driving and use appropriate safety restraints. He also called for greater protection of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
He reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which targets a 50 per cent reduction in road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Pavel Ursu, noted that approximately 1.2 million people die annually from road traffic crashes worldwide, with road injuries remaining the leading cause of death among young people aged five to 29.
He stressed that most road crash deaths are preventable through safer roads, effective law enforcement, responsible driving, safer vehicles and improved emergency medical services.
The stakeholders called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, transport unions, civil society organisations and other relevant bodies to reduce road accidents and prevent further loss of lives in Nigeria.
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