Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has urged urgent action to reduce road traffic deaths in Nigeria. Speaking at the International Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, he recounted personal experiences of loss, highlighting the devastating impact of accidents on families, students, and communities.
Oshiomhole stressed that road safety requires both personal responsibility and institutional enforcement. He called for proper testing of drivers, strict compliance with regulations, and the establishment of a unit to assess vehicle roadworthiness. He also criticized the misuse of sirens, unqualified drivers, and unsafe second-hand vehicles, urging authorities to regulate vehicle imports.
The senator encouraged Nigerians to raise awareness, educate youths, and uphold traffic laws, noting that action must replace grief to safeguard lives. He commended the FRSC and its committees for promoting driver competence and road safety.
In her goodwill message, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Halimat Turaki, called for collective action to protect road crash victims. She emphasized that all accidents are preventable and praised the KRSD Foundation for its initiatives, including the advocacy for Trauma Recovery Centers. Kekere-Ekun urged policymakers, law enforcers, health professionals, and the judiciary to foster accountability, compassion, and strategic intervention.
Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, called for strict accountability for reckless driving and stronger protection for victims across Africa. Sharing the personal tragedy of losing her son in a crash, she highlighted the need for trauma centers, emergency care legislation, and enforceable road safety laws. Dongban-Mensem stressed that survivors often face physical, emotional, and financial challenges, and urged governments and individuals to take responsibility for road safety.
Both justices emphasized collaboration with the private sector, government commitment, and legal frameworks to prevent future tragedies. Dongban-Mensem expressed hope that the conference, the first focused on African victims, would inspire lasting change, advocating for immediate hospital response laws and strict enforcement against dangerous driving behaviors. She concluded with prayers for the safety of participants and citizens, saying, “May none of you ever become victims.”
