The Federal Road Safety Corps has reported that 3,445 people died in road traffic crashes across Nigeria between January and September 2026, while 22,292 others sustained injuries.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed the figures on Monday during a joint press briefing in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

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According to him, a total of 7,156 road crashes were recorded nationwide within the nine-month period, highlighting the continuing human cost of road accidents.

Mohammed said the annual commemoration, scheduled to run from November 9 to November 15, was aimed at turning remembrance into commitment and compassion into practical action.

“These figures represent more than statistics; they are human lives lost, families shattered and communities thrown into grief,” he said.

The FRSC chief identified excessive speed and dangerous driving practices as major contributors to road traffic crashes, warning motorists against behaviours that could endanger lives.

He said the corps had intensified enforcement operations, public education campaigns and engagement with relevant stakeholders to improve road safety across the country.

Mohammed explained that the FRSC uses its Road Traffic Crash Database Management System to identify accident-prone routes and deploy personnel for targeted patrols, surveillance, enforcement and rescue operations.

He reaffirmed the corps commitment to the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which seeks to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by at least 50 per cent by 2030.

The Corps Marshal urged government agencies, transport unions, the media, civil society organisations and emergency response services to strengthen their collaboration with the FRSC.

He also advised motorists to obey traffic regulations, observe speed limits, avoid distractions and use appropriate safety restraints.

Mohammed further called for greater protection of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

He said the most meaningful tribute to victims of road crashes would be actions that prevent similar tragedies and protect other road users.

Speaking at the briefing, the World Health Organisation Country Representative, Pavel Ursu, described the annual commemoration as an opportunity to remember victims and renew efforts to prevent avoidable road deaths.

Ursu said this year’s theme, “A Light That Unites Us”, encouraged stakeholders to turn remembrance into action, empathy into support and awareness into lasting commitment.

He disclosed that approximately 1.2 million people die annually in road traffic crashes worldwide, while road traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death among children and young people aged five to 29.

According to him, more than 90 per cent of global road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

The WHO representative said the deaths and injuries could be prevented through safer road infrastructure, stronger law enforcement, improved road-user behaviour, safer vehicles and effective emergency medical care.

He also described the African Road Safety Charter, which entered into force on March 12, 2026, as an important development for the continent.

Ursu said the charter provided Africa’s first legally binding framework for improving road safety and congratulated Nigeria for being among the first countries to ratify it.

He added that sustained investment in road infrastructure, enforcement, trauma care and crash data systems would be essential to achieving the charter’s objectives.

“WHO and the wider UN system will continue to support Nigeria through evidence-based policies, stronger institutions, safer infrastructure, improved crash data systems and enhanced emergency services,” he said.

Also speaking, the focal person for the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety and Traffic Injury Prevention, Dr Olarenwaju Olatunji, said the commemoration extended beyond remembering those who had died.

He noted that it also provided an opportunity to recognise survivors living with injuries and disabilities, families affected by crashes and emergency responders who assist victims.

Olatunji commended the FRSC, WHO, government ministries and agencies, development partners and other stakeholders for their contributions to road safety advocacy and implementation in Nigeria.

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He also expressed solidarity with families who had lost loved ones and survivors still dealing with the physical and emotional consequences of road traffic crashes.