UN Road Safety Envoy Jean Todt Warns of ‘Silent Pandemic’ as FRSC Steps Up Action on Road Incidences.
By Raymond Enoch
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has been urged to intensify its fight against road traffic crashes, described as a “silent pandemic” by the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety, Mr. Jean Todt. During an official visit to the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Todt raised alarm over the staggering global death toll from road accidents and called for urgent, coordinated efforts to tackle the crisis.
According to a statement signed by Olusegun Ogungbemide, mni, FISPON, anipr, Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Todt praised the FRSC for its leadership in road safety across Africa but warned that more decisive action is needed to reduce preventable deaths and injuries. The Special Envoy revealed that over 1.2 million people die annually from road crashes, with countless others suffering serious injuries — a tragedy he said must no longer be ignored.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, noting that the FRSC combines legislation, enforcement, and education in its approach. He also expressed optimism that continued government support and international collaboration would help advance the country’s road safety objectives.
Mr. Todt called on stakeholders at all levels — including governments, transport unions, and individual road users — to adopt the Safe System Approach and drastically improve compliance with traffic regulations to end the carnage on the roads.
