By Nura Bala Ajingi
November 16 is observed globally every year as a day dedicated to remembering victims of road accidents, following a resolution of the United Nations.
The observance was initially introduced by an organisation known as Road Peace, which began marking the day to honour victims of road crashes and show sympathy to families who lost loved ones.
In 2005, the United Nations officially adopted the day to be commemorated annually in memory of those killed or injured in road traffic accidents and to express solidarity with their families.
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A report released by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) shows that in the first half of 2025, 2,838 people lost their lives in road accidents across Nigeria. The report further indicates that an estimated 5,000 people die, while about 31,000 sustain injuries every year as a result of road crashes in the country.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.19 million people die annually from road traffic accidents worldwide.
Speaking to our correspondent via telephone, the Public Relations Officer of the FRSC in Kano State, Abdullahi Labaran, expressed sympathy to all those affected by road crashes. He said the Corps has continued to work toward reducing accidents by constantly urging motorists to obey traffic regulations and encouraging passengers to caution any driver who drives recklessly or endangers lives.
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He added that the FRSC also imposes disciplinary measures on motorists who engage in dangerous or overspeeding driving.
Labaran further commended the Kano State Governor for installing traffic lights and streetlights across major areas of the state, noting that the development has helped reduce road accidents.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA), Ibrahim Sharada, said the commemoration provides an important opportunity to further enlighten road users on the need to obey traffic rules.
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He also urged KAROTA personnel to maintain good conduct and interact respectfully with motorists.
The Kano State Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Comrade Auwal Bello Isma’ila Danhajiya, said the association has intensified efforts to educate drivers on the importance of adhering to traffic regulations at all times.
