The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported that no fewer than 3,400 people lost their lives in road accidents across Nigeria between January and September 2025, while 22,162 others sustained injuries in 6,858 crashes nationwide.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed disclosed the figures on Monday in Abuja during a press conference to officially launch the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign.
“3,433 persons were killed and 22,162 persons injured out of a total of 6,858 reported road crashes between January and September, 2025,” Mohammed stated.
He noted that most of the incidents were caused by “driver fatigue, overloading of persons, conveyance of persons in haulage vehicles and traveling with fuel in plastic containers.”
“Apparently, driver behaviour is a fundamental element in determining safety on our highways. It is expected that the 2025 end-of-year campaign will create the needed awareness and sensitization for drivers to take up the issue of safety more seriously,” he added.
This year’s campaign, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” aims to reduce the surge in crashes typically recorded between December 15 and January 15.
The FRSC plans to intensify nationwide advocacy, focusing on responsible driving as a key factor in preventing road accidents.
To this end, the Corps will deploy personnel and Special Marshals along major highways and accident-prone corridors, conduct free vehicle checks, organise motor park rallies, and hold town hall meetings with transport unions and stakeholders.
“These measures, in addition to our routine enforcement operations, are designed to raise awareness against reckless driving usually associated with the ember months. It is also expected that the implementation of these measures will significantly reduce the percentage of occurrence of road crashes and drive down road crash-related deaths and injuries,” Mohammed said.
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He further highlighted ongoing reforms to improve road safety, including enhanced driver training in collaboration with driving schools and fleet operators, as well as the reactivation of mobile courts to prosecute offenders for speeding and overloading.
Mohammed also announced the relaunch of the FRSC Annual Lecture Series to promote national dialogue on road safety as a public health concern, saying it had offered “critical perspectives on global best practices.”
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Additionally, he revealed that preparations were in advanced stages for an International Conference on Road Crash Victims in Africa, scheduled for November 16–18, 2025, in partnership with the KRSD Road Safety Foundation. The conference will focus on strengthening post-crash care in line with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety.
“I urge all Nigerians to continue to support the Corps as we strive to create a safer motoring environment for our dear nation,” Mohammed concluded, officially declaring the 2025 Ember Months Campaign open.
In Plateau State, Sector Commander Olajide Mogaji announced the deployment of 1,500 personnel for ember month operations, warning motorists against reckless driving.
“Road traffic crashes are no respecters of any vehicle, politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, or any person at all. It’s a clarion call for us to do it right on the road. Safety first. The issue of who is right doesn’t arise, but safety,” Mogaji said.
Similarly, Bauchi State Sector Commander Apaji Boyi reported that 432 persons were killed and 2,070 injured in auto crashes within a month. He attributed the fatalities to “driver fatigue, overloading of passengers, transportation of persons in haulage vehicles, and travelling with fuel in plastic containers.”
“These infringements also include failure to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations, speed limit violations, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, seat belt violations, as well as using phones while driving, among others,” Boyi added.
He urged motorists nationwide to support the FRSC’s efforts to reduce road crashes and save lives.
