Shettima Inaugurates National Road Safety Advisory Council, Assures Safer Roads

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) on Friday tasking members to align with global best practices in reducing traffic crashes. 

He emphasized the need for the council to establish National Road Safety Strategy targets and facilitate effective collaboration among federal, state, and local governments to achieve shared road safety goals.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Vice President Shettima highlighted the critical nature of road safety, stating, “Road safety is not merely a matter of policy but a critical part of the lifeline that connects the people of this nation.”

He further commended the Federal Road Safety Corps’s (FRSC) commitment, noting that the Corps has “consolidated a robust strategy to address the nation’s road traffic challenges” in its relatively short existence.

VP Shettima also urged FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, to embrace these recommendations as “a catalyst for the much-needed reforms in this sector.”

The Vice President commended the seamless coordination between federal and state executives, as well as various government agencies saying, “This spirit of unity exemplifies the essence of working together for the common good.”

He noted that the initiative is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to strengthen administrative capacities across government bodies and highlighted the NRSS’s framework, which employs a globally accepted safe system approach to road safety.

“I am confident that this intervention will enhance our transportation system and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

“Setting National Road Safety Strategy targets and ensuring coordination between the federal, state, and local governments in achieving our shared road safety objectives,” Senator Shettima stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed who is also secretary of the advisory council said the inauguration of the body opens a new vista in road safety management in Nigeria, including fast-tracking the implementation of the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) which is the country’s response to the call for safe use of the road.

The Corps Marshal reiterated the council’s priority to effectively implement the NRSS, expressing optimism that Nigeria can achieve zero deaths from road traffic accidents.

NaRSAC, chaired by VP Shettima with membership drawn from six governors, one representing each of the six geo-political zones; Ministers of Transportation, Works, Health, Justice, Education, Finance, Environment, Police Affairs, Interior, Budget and Economic Planning, FCT, Information and Labour & Productivity.

Additional members include the National Security Adviser, President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.