Yuletide : Corps Marshal Wants Nigs To Prioritize Their Safety

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC Mallam Shehu Mohammed, has urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their safety and avoid all forms of distracted driving as the festive season approaches.

Mallam Shehu Mohammed made the call in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the flag-off of the 2025 Ember Month Campaign themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

He said the campaign was aimed at promoting attitudinal change among motorists and reducing preventable road crashes during the period.

According to him, distracted driving has become one of the most common risk behaviours on Nigerian roads, often leading to fatal consequences.

“Mobile phone use while driving, arguments with passengers, eating behind the wheel, emotional stress, drug and alcohol influence, speeding, and driver fatigue have collectively led to avoidable crashes,” he said.

The Corps Marshal explained that the decision to commence the 2025 Ember Month Campaign in Rivers State was deliberate, describing the state as one of Nigeria’s busiest transport and commercial hubs.

“The choice of Rivers State is even more apt during this festive period when there is a massive influx of travellers, increased commercial activities, and heightened vehicular movements.”

He called on all road users to exercise discipline, vigilance, and caution on the highways to prevent further losses.

Mallam Shehu Mohammed said the FRSC had strengthened its proactive interventions through improved operations, expanded public enlightenment, and integration of technology into road safety management.

He highlighted the FRSC Mobile App as one of the Corps’ digital innovations that enables passengers to report reckless drivers and access other safety features, urging citizens to take advantage of the platform.

He said all commanding officers had been directed to intensify stakeholders engagement and deepen community-based sensitisation to tackle human factors responsible for the crashes.

He commended the Rivers State Government for its commitment to road safety and infrastructural development, describing Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a leader who prioritises citizens’ welfare.

The Corps Marshal applauded the collaboration of the media, security agencies, transport unions, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, describing their representation at the event as a demonstration of unity against road traffic fatalities

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji