The figures are staggering, the reality devastating: 10,502 people lost their lives in road crashes across Nigeria in just two years. This alarming statistic, revealed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), underscores an ongoing national tragedy that demands immediate and sustained attention.
In 2023, 5,081 lives were lost, and the death toll climbed to 5,421 in 2024, marking a seven percent increase. This grim revelation comes despite a 10 percent reduction in road traffic crashes during the same period. The numbers paint a troubling picture of a country grappling with the human cost of road safety failures.
A Deadly Toll Despite Fewer Crashes
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed disclosed that the FRSC recorded 9,570 road crashes in 2024, down from 10,617 in 2023. Injuries also decreased slightly, with 31,154 people injured in 2024 compared to 31,874 the previous year. However, fatalities rose sharply, indicating that while fewer accidents occurred, the severity of incidents increased.
“This increase in fatalities is deeply concerning,” Mohammed said. “Human factors such as reckless driving, overloading, and fatigue remain the primary causes. Tragic secondary incidents, like the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, also contributed significantly.”
The Deadly Practice of Fuel Scooping
One particularly disturbing trend is the persistence of fuel scooping from crashed tankers, which claimed 411 lives in 2024 alone. This accounted for 7.6 percent of total road fatalities that year. Despite repeated warnings, the lure of free fuel continues to lead to catastrophic explosions, turning crash sites into death traps.
“The act of scooping fuel is not only illegal but a deadly gamble with one’s life,” Mohammed warned. “We must intensify public awareness to discourage this dangerous behavior.”
Causes of the Crisis
The FRSC identified several factors fueling the road carnage:
- Reckless Driving: Many drivers routinely exceed speed limits, engage in dangerous overtaking, and disregard traffic rules.
- Overloading: Vehicles overloaded with passengers or goods are more prone to accidents.
- Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel, particularly for commercial drivers, lead to lapses in judgment and fatal errors.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, and poorly maintained vehicles are common causes of crashes.
- Night Travel: Reduced visibility and increased risks make night journeys particularly hazardous.
High-Impact Crashes
The holiday season was particularly deadly. Between December 15, 2024, and January 15, 2025, 402 lives were lost in road accidents. Notable among these were five major crashes in Plateau, Abia, Kaduna, Kwara, and Ondo States. The most devastating occurred in Jebba, Kwara State, where 30 people died in a single incident.
What Needs to Be Done
Experts and road safety advocates agree that reducing road fatalities requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Strict Enforcement of Traffic Laws: Speed limits, seat belt use, and restrictions on overloading must be rigorously enforced.
- Driver Education: Comprehensive driver training programs should emphasize the dangers of reckless driving and fatigue.
- Improved Infrastructure: Expanding and maintaining road networks can reduce congestion and accidents.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Sustained efforts are needed to educate Nigerians on road safety and the dangers of fuel scooping.
- Better Vehicle Standards: Mandatory inspections and stricter regulations for commercial vehicles can prevent mechanical failures.
- Emergency Response: Enhancing emergency medical services and roadside assistance can save lives in the aftermath of accidents.
A Call to Action
“The 2024 recorded fatalities are alarming and unacceptable,” Mohammed said. “The time has come for all stakeholders to act decisively. Motorists must prioritize safety by adhering to speed limits, avoiding night travel, and refraining from overloading vehicles.”
Passengers also have a role to play. Mohammed urged them to avoid boarding trailers or trucks meant for goods transportation and to hold drivers accountable for unsafe practices.
A New Year, A Renewed Commitment
As Nigeria enters 2025, the FRSC is doubling down on its commitment to road safety. Mohammed outlined plans to enhance collaboration with the judiciary, improve staff welfare, and intensify public sensitization efforts.
“The battle to make our roads safer requires everyone’s cooperation,” he said. “From government to drivers to passengers, we must all work together to prevent further loss of life.”
Conclusion
The harrowing death toll of 10,502 over two years is more than a statistic—it’s a wake-up call. Each life lost represents a family shattered, dreams cut short, and potential unfulfilled.
Nigeria’s highways don’t have to be highways of horror. With concerted action, they can become safer for all.