5,421 People Died In 2024 Road Accidents – FRSC Reports

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced that in 2024, there were 5,421 fatalities from road traffic accidents throughout Nigeria.

Naijaonpoint understands that this figure announced by the FRSC represents a seven per cent increase compared to the 5,081 deaths reported in 2023.

The information was shared during a press conference held by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, in Abuja on Monday, coinciding with the conclusion of the Corps’ “Operation Zero Tolerance” special patrol initiative.

Mohammed noted that this increase in fatalities occurred despite a ten per cent decrease in the overall number of road accidents nationwide, with 9,570 incidents recorded in 2024, down from 10,617 the previous year.

Additionally, the Corps’ statistics indicated that while there was a slight decline in road crashes and injuries in 2024, the total number of individuals involved in accidents rose by one per cent, increasing from 70,092 in 2023 to 70,530 in 2024.

He mentioned that the enforcement of road safety regulations yielded mixed outcomes, as the Corps observed a reduction in traffic violations, with arrests decreasing from 29,220 in 2023 to 21,580 in 2024.

The Corps Marshal attributed the rise in fatalities to human factors such as reckless driving, overloading, and driver fatigue, along with tragic secondary incidents, including the scooping of fuel from overturned tankers, which resulted in 411 deaths last year.

“Analysis of our annual performance indicates that from January to December 2024, the corps recorded a drastic reduction in road traffic crashes as well as in the number of people injured when compared to the annual record of 2023.

“From 1st January to 31st December 2024, a total of 9,570 road traffic crashes were recorded nationwide. This figure is against 10,617 road traffic crashes recorded in 2023, which signifies a tremendous reduction of 10 percent.

“Furthermore, 31,154 people were injured in 2024 while 31,874 were injured in 2023, representing a two per cent decrease. However, the Corps recorded a seven per cent increase in fatalities as 5,421 people were killed in 2024 while 5,081 people were killed in 2023.

“Meanwhile, a total of 70,530 people got involved in road traffic crashes in 2024 compared to 70,092 in 202,3, signifying an increase of one per cent. It is pertinent to emphasize at this juncture that, out of the total fatalities that occurred in 2024, 411 deaths, representing 7.6 per cent of the total deaths, were not primarily caused by the crashes but by a secondary factor, which is the very monster we are fighting today: scooping of fuel from fallen tankers,” the corps marshal explained.

Mohammed further reported that during the period from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, which was monitored by the special patrol, there were 402 fatalities resulting from road accidents.

Among these tragic events, five significant collisions occurred in Plateau, Abia, Kaduna, Kwara, and Ondo States, with the most catastrophic taking place in Jebba, Kwara State, where 30 individuals lost their lives.

The corps marshal identified the perilous practice of siphoning fuel from overturned tankers as a major factor contributing to the alarming death toll. In 2024, this activity was responsible for 7.6 per cent of all road-related fatalities. Mohammed urged both motorists and the general public to refrain from such dangerous behaviours, emphasizing the serious risks they pose.

During the same timeframe, the Corps documented a total of 531 road traffic accidents across the country, a decrease from the 634 incidents reported in the previous year, reflecting a 16.2 per cent reduction, as observed by Naijaonpoint.

“On this note, I wish to reiterate that the alarming rate of crashes and fatalities occurred as a result of loading of trailers with passengers, goods and persons, fatigue, speed violation, overloading, dangerous driving as well as poor vehicle maintenance within the period under review.

“The 2024 recorded fatalities are alarming and therefore unacceptable. The situation is worrisome, especially in cases of unprecedented fatalities as a result of scooping of petroleum products from crashed tankers (Niger and Jigawa in perspective),” he stated.

The corps marshal urged motorists to prioritize safety by adhering to speed limits, avoiding night travel, and refraining from overloading vehicles.

He also cautioned passengers against boarding vehicles meant for goods transportation.

“At the beginning of 2025, I wish to caution motorists and travellers to avoid excessive speed and overloading as much as possible. “Passengers should avoid boarding trailers and trucks meant for goods, including night trips, due to the inherent dangers,” Mohammed cautioned.

Mohammed retreated the FRSC’s commitment to improving road safety through increased collaboration with the judiciary, enhanced staff welfare, and public sensitization campaigns.