By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE FEDERAL Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported an improvement in traffic rule adherence was recorded across Nigeria in 2024, with 21,580 offenders arrested nationwide, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This represents a sharp decline in violations compared to 2023. However, concerns remain over preventable fatalities, as 411 lives were lost while scooping fuel from overturned tankers during the year.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, reported a 26% increase in compliance with traffic regulations, with 25,942 offences recorded — a 23.5% reduction from the previous year’s 33,880 violations.
This achievement reflects the corps’ intensified efforts through awareness campaigns and special patrols.
Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) saw a 10% decline in 2024, with 9,570 crashes recorded compared to 10,617 in 2023.
However, fatalities rose by 7%, with 5,421 deaths reported in 2024, up from 5,081 the previous year.
Mohammed attributed the spike in fatalities to the 411 lives lost while scooping fuel from overturned tankers, representing 7.6% of all road deaths.
“Without the casualties from fuel scooping, the corps would have recorded 5,010 deaths, which reflects a better overall road safety outcome,” he stated.
Injuries also dropped marginally by 2%, with 31,154 people injured in 2024 compared to 31,874 in 2023.
The Corps Marshal emphasised that fuel-scooping incidents remain a critical concern, describing them as preventable tragedies.
He called on the public to refrain from such dangerous practices, reiterating the corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads across the nation.
While the FRSC celebrates the improved compliance and reduced crashes, Mohammed stressed the need for continued public awareness and enforcement to address the challenges that persist.
