In the first half of 2025, there was a rise in traffic fatalities and collisions throughout Nigeria, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps.
Between January and June, there were 5,281 collisions that involved 39,793 persons, resulting in 2,838 fatalities and 17,818 rescues, according to Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed.
Mohammed revealed the numbers on Thursday during the 2025 Half-Year Strategy Session, which included a press briefing in Abuja.
According to him, the numbers show a 2.2 percent increase in deaths and a 3.9 percent increase in collisions over the same time period in 2024.
The corps marshal also disclosed that the overall number of individuals engaged in traffic accidents rose by 8.9 percent, indicating what he called a difficult task for the corps.
“Available statistics reveals that the first half of 2025 has presented a tough challenge. Between January and June, 5,281 road traffic crashes occurred across the country involving 39,793 people.
“Sadly, 2,838 lives were lost while 17,818 were rescued. This represents an increase in crashes by 3.9 percent and a rise in fatalities by 2.2 percent.
“The total number of people involved in road crashes in the period under review also increased by 8.9 compared to the same period in 2024,” he stated.
In terms of enforcement, the corps recorded a significant uptick in arrests and offences.
“It is also on record that during the same period, FRSC operatives arrested 290,887 traffic offenders for committing 319,798 offences.
“Meanwhile, 250,720 offenders were arrested and 271,895 offences recorded in 2024. This reflects a 16 percent rise in arrests and 14.9 percent increase in offences booked.
“The increase in the percentage of arrests and offences does not reflect FRSC as a weakened institution. On the contrary, it affirms that the corps is more vigilant and responsive to ensuring safety through visible enforcement,” he emphasised.
During the six-month period, the corps also monitored significant traffic volumes, with over 30 million passengers moving in 2.3 million cars along the country’s road network.
Notably, 6.5 million passengers—roughly 22% of the total—came from Anambra and Kano States alone.
Mohammed reassured the public that the corps would be resilient in spite of the strain on personnel and infrastructure.
“Furthermore, in the period under review, over 30 million passengers travelled using 2.3 million vehicles across our national road network. The volume of vehicles and passengers on the roads had a correlative impact on the total number of offenders and offences booked.
“It also called for more effort from our operatives to meet up with the expectations for safety by the motoring public. For instance, Anambra and Kano States alone accounted for over 6.5 million passengers representing 22 percent of the total passenger travels.
“Let me state unequivocally that FRSC is not overwhelmed. The Corps is a resilient and committed agency rising to meet up with the growing national challenge with professionalism and innovation,” Mohammed said.
The corps marshal highlighted the institutional reforms, pointing out that on July 22, 2025, a bill amending the FRSC Establishment Act was passed by the House of Representatives. The Bill seeks to enhance worker welfare, safeguard infrastructure and personnel, and fortify traffic control.
Mohammed also praised technological developments, such as the introduction of the FRSC Mobile App and the National Crash Reporting Information System.
Data reporting, public participation, emergency service accessibility, and verification platforms have all improved as a result of these tools.
In order to address long-standing complaints among FRSC workers over the quality of healthcare provided by current HMOs, he announced intentions to create a Health Management Office.
It is anticipated that the new office would provide staff with timely medical treatments and subsidised services.
Additionally, public education initiatives have changed; FRSC’s campaigns now include town hall meetings and breakfasts.
The corps marshal listed other honours the FRSC was given in 2024, including as the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award and the Nigeria Gov-Tech Public Service Award.
Additionally, the corps obtained ISO recertification for the sixth time in April 2025 and was ranked #1 among military and paramilitary organisations by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity.
Internationally, Nigeria continues to play a leading role, with FRSC serving as the Permanent Secretariat for the West African Road Safety Organisation.
“Just last month, Nigeria was elected to host the Permanent Secretariat of the African Association of Lead Agencies in Road Safety Management,” Mohammed revealed.
He attributed these successes to the commitment of the Presidency, FRSC management, and staff. “These achievements have translated the status of the FRSC into a lead agency in road safety administration in Africa,” he said.
Looking ahead, the corps marshal called on all officers to intensify operations and uphold discipline.
“Road crash is a societal challenge, and our response must be strategic, sustained, and supported by all stakeholders.
“We shall continue to demonstrate, in words and in deeds, that FRSC is committed to achieving its statutory mandate,” the corps marshal noted.
He also warned of stricter enforcement measures for the remainder of 2025, including strengthened mobile court sessions and special monitoring operations.
“It is expected that these measures would impact positively on driver behaviour thus ensuring safety on our roads,” Mohammed said.
In his closing remarks, he praised the media for its role in projecting the corps’ activities and educating the public.
