RTCs claimed 46 lives in Niger in 2024 — Sector Commander
By Mohammed Baba Busu
No fewer than 46 lives were lost to road traffic crashes (RTCs)across Niger in 2024, says Hajiya Aishat Saadu, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this disturbing development was revealed by Saadu on Monday in Minna while inaugurating the 2025 Ember Months Campaign in the state.
She said that the statistics were contained in the state’s 2024 Operation Zero Crash, adding, “205 persons were also injured.
“Also, 432 victims were involved out of 47 reported cases of road crashes.”
The sector commander added that the records also showed that the major causes of these crashes were excessive speeding, mixed and over loading of persons, animals and goods.
According to Saadu, others were route violation and wrongful overtaking, stating that driver behaviour is a fundamental element in determining safety in the highways.
Saadu added that the campaign has as theme: “Take Responsibility For Your Safety: Stop Obstructed Driving’.
According to her, the theme reinforces the view that human factor is one of the major causes of road crashes.
She said, “It also draws attention to the fact that drivers are largely responsible for crashes on the highways.
“The choice of the theme was deliberate and well thought-out.
“It was carefully chosen by the National Headquarters to address road traffic infringements by drivers who are largely responsible for the previous crash records.”
Saadu also cited some road traffic violations to include seat belt and speed limit violations as well as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, among others.
According to the sector commander, to achieve the desired outcome of the campaign, the command has planned some actions that include the deployment of personnel and Special Marshalls across major highway in the state.
Saadu further said that FRSC would be conducting statewide motor park rallies to raise the awareness level of motorists.
She said that this would be in addition to the routine enforcement operations,while mobile Courts and stop-over operations had been constituted.
Saadu commended the Niger Government, sister agencies, media and the public, among other stakeholders, for their sustained support to the corps.
She urged all road users to follow traffic rules as well as be their brother’s keeper.(NAN)
