The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will establish a world-class trauma centre to treat road crash victims and support their families.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed announced the plan in Abuja during a briefing ahead of the International Road Crash Victims Africa Conference (IRCVAC), set for November. He said the project will run through a public-private partnership (PPP).
Mohammed noted that Nigeria records one of the highest road traffic deaths in Africa. He cited a 2023 World Health Organisation (WHO) report that put the rate at 21.4 deaths per 100,000 people.
“The scale of crashes makes this centre urgent,” he said. “Families face long-term trauma and economic hardship when accidents occur.”
READ ALSO:CBN’s Rate Cut Needs FG’s Role to Unlock Growth Potential – Expert
The FRSC chief explained that the location has not yet been confirmed. He assured that the design would guarantee access for Nigerians nationwide.
“Distance will not be a barrier. Some trauma centres cover thousands of kilometres using helicopters. We want the same model here,” he added.
Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, founder of the Kwapda’as Road Safety Demand Foundation (KRSD), said the IRCVAC would be the first African forum dedicated to victims and their families.
She explained that thousands of Nigerians die each year in crashes, while survivors suffer permanent injuries. “These are not just numbers. They are fathers, mothers, children, and breadwinners whose lives change forever,” she said.
READ ALSO:Ike Appointed GMD/CEO of Access Holdings as Aig-Imoukhuede Strengthens Control
Dongban-Mensem stressed that the conference, themed Gathering Africa and the World for Road Crash Victims, will push for stronger national strategies. She listed speeding, drunk driving, and non-use of seatbelts and helmets as major risks.
She added that the forum aligns with the global Vision Zero agenda, which declares that no road death is acceptable.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
