Road Accidents: UN Envoy Laments 1.2 Million Deaths Annually

By our Correspondent

The United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety, Mr. Jean Todt, has called for stronger collective action to end the loss of over 1.2 million lives annually to road accidents across the world.

Speaking during a visit to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Todt expressed deep concern over the alarming statistics, noting that millions of people also suffer life-changing injuries from road crashes globally.

He stressed the urgent need to adopt the “safe system approach,” which emphasizes education, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and effective post-crash care. According to him, non-compliance with traffic regulations remains a major factor responsible for preventable deaths and injuries.

Commending the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, for his active involvement in global road safety engagements, the UN envoy described Nigeria’s role as a positive contribution towards realizing the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety.

While acknowledging the Corps’ consistent efforts and achievements in road safety management, Mr. Todt insisted that more work is still needed to consolidate the progress made so far. He urged stakeholders at all levels—policymakers, transport unions, and individual road users—to play their part in ending the needless carnage on the roads.

In his remarks, the Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, assured the UN Special Envoy that the FRSC remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s road safety agenda in line with global standards. He pledged to strengthen collaboration with both local and international partners to achieve safer roads for all.

Mallam Mohammed also reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries, while commending the federal government’s support, which he said has enabled the Corps to achieve remarkable milestones in its over three decades of existence.