By Olusegun Ogungbemide
The recent inauguration of the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) Committee by Vice President Kashim Shettima marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s drive for enhanced road safety. With Nigeria’s vast road network of over 200,000 kilometers and a population exceeding 170 million, the challenges of managing road safety and traffic are immense. As the second-largest road network in Africa, Nigeria’s reliance on road transportation, especially for urban mobility, places immense pressure on its transportation infrastructure.
Addressing the complexities of road safety cannot rest on the shoulders of a single agency or government body. It demands collaboration from all sectors—public, private, civil society, and religious and traditional institutions. This is where NaRSAC’s role becomes critical, particularly in the execution of the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy II (NRSS II), which outlines key initiatives to reduce road crashes and fatalities.
NaRSAC’s formation is aligned with global road safety efforts, such as the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety. Through a comprehensive strategy that focuses on safer roads, vehicles, road users, administration, and post-crash care, the NRSS II (2021-2030) builds on the successes of the first edition (NRSS 2014-2018). The updated strategy enhances policies, methodology, and implementation tactics, ensuring Nigeria’s road safety approach aligns with global best practices.
The NRSS II emphasizes improving infrastructure, enhancing vehicle safety standards, and strengthening enforcement, education, and public awareness. NaRSAC is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these initiatives, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and monitoring progress. Its formation is expected to streamline road safety efforts across federal, state, and local levels, while also attracting funding and resources from various partners.
Under the leadership of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, significant measures are being introduced to ensure seamless execution of these strategies. These include technological advancements and staff development programs aimed at preparing personnel for the critical role of reducing road crashes.
NaRSAC’s inauguration is a game-changer for Nigeria’s road safety, reinforcing FRSC’s goal to reduce road accidents by 5% by the end of 2024. It is an appeal to all stakeholders—government agencies, private sector players, and civil society organizations—to collaborate in making road safety a priority. Together, by sharing responsibilities, we can enhance visibility, improve rescue response times, and foster a safer road environment for all Nigerians. This collective effort will not only save lives but also contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to a future where our roads are safer, and where the shared commitment of all stakeholders drives real, lasting change. Congratulations to the motoring public, the FRSC, and Nigeria on this significant milestone in road safety.
