Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported that 5,421 people lost their lives in road traffic accidents across Nigeria in 2024, marking a seven per cent increase from the 5,081 fatalities recorded in 2023.
The data was revealed during a press briefing by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed on Monday, as the Corps concluded its “Operation Zero Tolerance” special patrol campaign.
Despite a 10 per cent reduction in the total number of road crashes, from 10,617 in 2023 to 9,570 in 2024, fatalities increased.
“The 2024 recorded fatalities are alarming and therefore unacceptable. The situation is worrisome, especially, in cases of unprecedented fatalities as a result of scooping of petroleum products from crashed tankers,” Mohammed stated.
He added that scooping fuel from fallen tankers, which contributed to 411 deaths in 2024, remains a major concern.
Mohammed attributed the rise in fatalities to human factors such as reckless driving, overloading, and fatigue, along with secondary incidents like the fuel scooping tragedy.
While road crash numbers decreased by 10 per cent, from 10,617 in 2023 to 9,570 in 2024, those involved in accidents saw a one per cent rise, from 70,092 to 70,530.
The number of injuries dropped slightly by two per cent, from 31,874 in 2023 to 31,154 in 2024.
Between December 15, 2024, and January 15, 2025, 402 lives were lost in crashes. Among the worst incidents was a collision in Jebba, Kwara State, which claimed 30 lives.
Mohammed urged motorists to adhere to safety regulations, warning against speeding, overloading, and boarding goods trucks.
He emphasised the importance of avoiding night travel and highlighted the Corps’ ongoing commitment to improving road safety through public awareness, better staff welfare, and greater collaboration with the judiciary.