At least 3,445 Nigerians died in road traffic crashes between January and September 2026, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The agency also recorded 7,156 crashes nationwide during the nine-month period. Another 22,292 people sustained injuries.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed the figures on Monday at a press briefing in Abuja. The event marked the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims.
Mohammed described the figures as a reflection of lost lives, grieving families and communities affected by road accidents.
“These figures represent more than statistics; they are human lives lost, families shattered and communities thrown into grief,” he said.
Speeding and Dangerous Driving Among Major Causes
The FRSC chief identified excessive speed and dangerous driving as major contributors to road crashes across Nigeria.
He warned motorists against reckless decisions and urged them to take responsibility for their safety and that of other road users.
The agency said it uses its Road Traffic Crash Database Management System to identify high-risk routes. It then deploys personnel for targeted patrols, surveillance, enforcement and rescue operations.
Mohammed also said the FRSC had intensified public education, enforcement and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He urged drivers to obey traffic regulations, respect speed limits and avoid distractions. He also stressed the importance of using appropriate safety restraints.
WHO Calls for Safer Roads and Better Emergency Care
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative in Nigeria, Pavel Ursu, said road crashes remain a major global public health concern.
He cited an estimated 1.2 million road traffic deaths worldwide each year. Injuries from road crashes also remain the leading cause of death among people aged five to 29.
Ursu added that more than 90 per cent of global road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
He said countries could prevent many deaths through safer road infrastructure, stronger law enforcement and responsible road use.
Better vehicles and effective emergency medical care after crashes are also essential, he added.
Ursu described the African Road Safety Charter, which took effect on March 12, 2026, as an important step towards improving road safety across the continent.
He said sustained investment in safer roads, trauma care, enforcement and reliable crash data would help reduce fatalities.
FRSC Seeks Stronger Collaboration
Mohammed called on government agencies, transport unions, media organisations, civil society groups and emergency response agencies to strengthen their cooperation with the FRSC.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.
The global initiative seeks to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50 per cent by 2030.
The 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims runs from November 9 to 15. Its theme is “A Light That Unites Us.”
The annual observance honours people killed or injured in road crashes. It also recognises affected families, survivors and emergency responders.
Dr Olarenwaju Olatunji, the United Nations road safety initiative’s focal person, said the occasion should inspire practical action to prevent further tragedies.
He also expressed solidarity with families who have lost loved ones and survivors living with crash-related injuries and disabilities.
