Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr Shehu Muhammed has disclosed that no fewer than 1,539 persons lost their lives in road crashes on Jos-Lafia-Makurdi corridor between January and March.
The corps marshal stated this Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State in Lafia, for the launch of ‘Operation Sanity’ initiative.
Muhammed revealed that annual death reports due to road crashes showed that 1.19 million people died in the world in 2024, and many of them from Africa.
He said Nigeria alone recorded 5,081 fatalities and 31,871 injuries in 2024, a situation which he said was unacceptable.
“Between January and March, 1,539 Nigerians lost their lives on the Jos-Lafia-Makurdi corridor, 30 deaths and 339 injuries occurred this quarter,” the corps marshal stated.
He informed that the commission would work with critical stakeholders to improve the standard of roads and reduce crashes on highways across the country.
Mohammed appreciated Governor Sule for the landmark achievements recorded in the area of infrastructure, uplifting the quality of life of citizens and economic development.
He pointed out that the development reflectes in the numerous projects being executed in the state, spanning healthcare, education, urban renewal and electrification.
The corps marshal added that the ongoing construction of flyovers and underpasses, as well as the reconstruction of some federal roads linking the state with the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna and Kogi States, would ensure seamless land transportation.
“If the roads are good, it would go a long way to reduce road crashes, as well as congestion,” he said
He also appreciated Governor Sule for launching the Operation Sanity initiative and urged other governors to emulate him for safer roads.
On his part, Governor Sule commended FRSC for rising to the challenge of reforming the road safety culture, saying reckless driving had become endemic in the country.
“You have a very important job just like all members of your team, to be able to save the lives of people on the road.
“It is not an easy thing to do, especially in a country where a lot of people just enjoy driving at very high speed,” he stated.
Sule reiterated the support of his administration to the FRSC and promised to join the corps as Patron of Nasarawa State Special Corps Marshal.
The governor congratulated the FRSC boss on his ascension to the peak of his career and commended his vision to reform the commission.
Earlier, Nasarawa State Sector Commander, FRSC, Comfort Ochiba-Asom said they would embark on massive public enlightenment, safety material distribution and strict enforcement of traffic laws.
