By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, May 13, 2025-
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called on Abia Government to actively support the implementation of the United Nations Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030) in the state.
The Abia Sector Commander of FRSC, Mrs. Ngozi Ezeoma, made the call on Tuesday, in Umuahia during a press briefing at the commencement of the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week in the state which focuses on safeguarding vulnerable road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists.
The week-long celebration is being observed from May 12-18 with the theme “#Make Walking Safe #Make Cycling Safe.”
The Sector Commander also urged the State Government to adopt the National Non-Motorised Transport Policy at state and local levels.
She highlighted the global burden of road crashes, which kill over 1.3 million people and injure tens of millions each year.
Ezeoma noted that Nigeria recorded 10,617 crashes in 2023, resulting in 5,081 deaths and over 31,000 injuries.
She said that in 2024, crashes dropped by 10 per cent to 9,570, but fatalities rose by 7 per cent to 5,421, while injuries slightly declined.
Ezeoma said that the UN road safety action plan and the national non-motorised policy would play a significant role in reducing road traffic deaths and injuries in the state.
She stressed the need for the implementation of policies and programmes that prioritise walking, cycling and safety for vulnerable road users across the state.
She also called for safe, inclusive roads and an end to preventable road deaths in the state and nation at large.
Ezeoma described road safety as a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of government, unions, and citizens in the state.
According to her, poor compliance with road regulations and low awareness, particularly in rural areas, put lives at risk daily.
She said that FRSC patrol personnel would be deployed to enforce speed limits and protect pedestrians on high-risk routes.
Ezeoma further said that the Command would continue leading road safety efforts but success requires collaboration from all stakeholders.
She called on stakeholders to join forces with FRSC during the celebration as it offers a platform for collaborative efforts in pushing for people-centred urban planning and safer road design.
Ezeoma said that the FRSC would continue to intensify public education campaigns across schools, religious centres, and media platforms in the state.
