Safety of Lives First: FRSC and NANS Join Forces to End Deadly Truck Crashes

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reinforced its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerian students and all road users, following a high-level meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the FRSC Headquarters on Wednesday.

The strategic engagement, convened under the direction of Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, mni, was prompted by growing concerns over the rising number of road accidents involving heavy-duty trucks—incidents that have tragically claimed the lives of students in Edo State. The Corps Marshal expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected, describing each loss as “a wound to the conscience of the nation.”

In his opening remarks, Marshal Mohammed emphasized that the meeting was not about assigning blame, but about collaboratively developing long-term solutions to prevent further loss of lives. “Our students are the future of this country. Losing them to avoidable crashes is not just painful—it is entirely unacceptable. FRSC is prepared to work hand in hand with NANS to ensure that no family has to mourn a child because of a preventable crash,” he said.

Representing the current leadership of NANS, Comrade Lucky Omonefe, Immediate Past National President and serving Ex-Officio 1 of the Association, acknowledged the Corps Marshal’s proactive invitation as a mark of sincerity and respect for the student community. He stressed that dialogue, rather than confrontation, is the most effective approach to tackling reckless driving on Nigerian roads.

“We came with anger, but we are leaving with hope. Today, we have witnessed leadership that listens. Dialogue is the tool we must all embrace to influence driver behaviour, curb recklessness, and reduce road carnage,” Omonefe noted.

During the meeting, Corps Marshal Mohammed outlined a series of ongoing and intensified measures the FRSC is implementing to combat truck-related accidents nationwide. Central to these efforts is the partnership between the FRSC and major fleet operators, including the Dangote Group and BUA Group. Through these collaborations, the FRSC has trained and certified thousands of heavy-duty truck drivers across key depots in Ibese, Obajana, and other locations, with additional training programs ongoing in Okpella and Gboko. These initiatives focus on defensive driving, fatigue management, and strict adherence to traffic regulations.

In a significant enforcement milestone, Marshal Mohammed revealed that over 2,700 trucks were recently subjected to rigorous inspections as part of FRSC’s annual fleet operators’ certification program. This measure ensures that only roadworthy vehicles operate on Nigerian highways, significantly reducing the likelihood of preventable accidents.

Beyond enforcement and training, the Corps Marshal highlighted FRSC’s investment in modern patrol and surveillance technologies designed to monitor driver behaviour and improve compliance with road safety standards. Key innovations include speed-limiting devices, enhanced vehicle safety standards, and digital monitoring systems that track fleet operations.

In addition, FRSC continues to engage critical stakeholders—including students, transport unions, fleet owners, and community leaders—through town hall meetings and safety awareness campaigns across the country. These collaborative efforts aim to instill a culture of safety, accountability, and consciousness among all road users.

The meeting with NANS marks the beginning of a sustained partnership between the FRSC and the Nigerian student community. Marshal Mohammed assured that such engagements will be ongoing, emphasizing that safety cannot be achieved through enforcement alone but requires empathy, education, and collective action.

“This is not a one-off interaction. We are committed to a long-term collaboration with students, fleet operators, and all relevant stakeholders to drive behavioural change on our roads. Safety is our top priority, and every life saved reinforces our mission,” he stated.

Experts note that Nigeria’s road traffic accident rate has been a growing national concern, particularly involving articulated vehicles. Data from FRSC shows that heavy-duty truck crashes account for a significant portion of fatalities each year, often involving young students travelling to and from school. Through proactive engagement, rigorous enforcement, and strategic training programs, the FRSC aims to curb this trend and create safer highways for all Nigerians.

This initiative demonstrates a unified approach to road safety, where government agencies, student bodies, and private sector partners work collectively to protect lives. By fostering dialogue, implementing technology-driven solutions, and enforcing strict regulations, the FRSC and NANS are sending a strong message that reckless driving will no longer be tolerated on Nigerian roads.

With these measures in place, the Corps Marshal reaffirmed the FRSC’s dedication to transforming road safety culture in Nigeria. “Every student lost is a reminder of our responsibility. Together, through collaboration, vigilance, and education, we can prevent future tragedies and ensure that our roads become safer for everyone,” he concluded.