Faced with a growing surge in road traffic crashes (RTCs) and the limitations of traditional outreach methods, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has shifted its focus toward community-driven strategies to enhance road safety across Nigeria. This strategic pivot, aimed at curbing road accidents, was announced by ACM Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC’s Public Education Officer, on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
For years, the FRSC relied heavily on motor park rallies to disseminate road safety messages to drivers, passengers, and the general public. These rallies, typically held at bus parks and transport hubs, once served as an effective platform for delivering critical safety education. However, as Ogungbemide noted, changes in road user behavior, especially among commercial drivers, have made these gatherings less impactful in recent years.
“The primary target audience often isn’t present during these rallies,” Ogungbemide said, pointing out that lawlessness among road users and the rise in fatal accidents revealed the limitations of traditional approaches.
A Shift Toward Targeted Engagement
In response, the FRSC is now focusing on more direct and community-based outreach, including town hall meetings, transit campaigns, and press conferences. These new methods, approved by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, allow for more meaningful engagement with local communities and a broader reach through mass media.
Town hall meetings, in particular, will provide the Corps with a platform to address road safety concerns that are specific to different regions, enabling interactive discussions and tailored campaigns. Meanwhile, press conferences and transit campaigns will further expand the Corps’ efforts to educate drivers and commuters.
Preparing for the Ember Months
The FRSC’s renewed strategies come at a critical time, as Nigeria approaches the “ember months”—a period from September to December when road traffic increases and accidents become more frequent. Traditionally, the FRSC has ramped up its safety campaigns during these months, warning drivers about the dangers of speeding and reckless driving. However, this year’s campaign will see a departure from the usual flag-off ceremonies featuring motor park rallies. Instead, the Corps will launch its initiatives through its more targeted community-based methods.
A Commitment to Safer Roads
This shift in strategy underscores the FRSC’s commitment to adapting to changing conditions and ensuring that road safety messages are both heard and acted upon. As Corps Marshal Mohammed noted, “With road safety challenges becoming more complex, we must evolve. Our goal is to ensure that these messages are impactful, and that requires a more dynamic engagement with the public.”
The FRSC’s new approach will integrate both traditional and digital communication platforms, using social media, radio, and television campaigns to ensure road safety messages reach every corner of society. Although motor park rallies will still be used on occasion, they will no longer be the cornerstone of the Corps’ engagement efforts.
Looking Ahead
With support from key stakeholders, including transport unions, community leaders, and the media, the FRSC is optimistic that its new strategies will lead to a significant reduction in road traffic crashes. As the Corps continues to assess the effectiveness of its campaigns, Nigerian road users are encouraged to play their part by adhering to safety regulations and promoting responsible driving.
This strategic evolution marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s road safety journey, with the FRSC leading the charge for safer roads.
