Over 3,400 Nigerians Die in Road Accidents in Just Nine Months

(FRSC. Photo by FRSC)

Between January and September 2026, at least 12 people died every single day in car accidents accross Ningeria.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) shared the figure on Monday at a briefing in Abuja, held ahead of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

During the same period, 7,156 crashes were recorded and 22,292 people were injured.

FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said these numbers are about real people, lost lives, broken families and grieving communities.

He blamed speeding and reckless driving as the main causes of crashes.

He said the agency is stepping up enforcement, public awareness and work with partners, and is using its crash database to find dangerous roads and send patrols there.

Mohammed urged government agencies, transport unions, the media and civil groups to work with the FRSC.

He also asked motorists to obey speed limits, avoid distractions, wear seatbelts and look out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders.

The World Health Organisation's country representative, Pavel Ursu, said about 1.2 million people die in road crashes every year worldwide, and more than 90 per cent of those deaths happen in poorer countries.

He said most of these deaths can be prevented with safer roads, stronger enforcement, better driver behaviour and quick emergency care.

He also congratulated Nigeria for being among the first countries to ratify the African Road Safety Charter, which took effect on 12 March 2026.

The commemoration runs from Monday to 15 November, with this year's theme "A Light That Unites Us."