Nigerian Road Accidents: Adoption of “New Norms” and the Docility of FRSC Officers
By Prof. M.K. Othman
A few years ago, on my way to Sokoto, I encountered a stern-looking Road Safety officer at the rail crossing in Tsafe town, Zamfara State, who demanded my vehicle particulars. I promptly provided them. After examining the documents, he asked for a C-caution triangle and a fire extinguisher, which I also provided. Finding nothing amiss, he attempted to operate the extinguisher and, in the process, broke its pressure head. We stared at each other, and he profusely apologized.
While this scene was unfolding, an overloaded commercial vehicle drove past, with passengers and goods crammed to more than three times its capacity. The officer pretended not to see it by looking the other way. I collected my documents and drove off without uttering a word.
On another occasion, in Funtua, Katsina State, an FRSC officer stopped me and demanded my driver’s license, which I handed over immediately. The tendency of road traffic officers to harass law-abiding motorists is common on almost every road in the country, especially for those of us driving private vehicles with complete particulars and functional safety equipment.
Once, on my way to Kano from Zaria, an officer, after checking my particulars and finding nothing missing, bent down to examine the manufacturing and expiry dates on my tyres, all in an effort to find fault and extort me. I never travel without a fire extinguisher, a spare tyre, unexpired tyres, and without wearing a seat belt, because I have witnessed how these simple tools save lives and prevent injuries. He was clearly disappointed.
Yet, most commercial vehicle drivers, tricycle operators, and motorcyclists commit all manner of traffic offences and get away with it, while innocent, law-abiding private motorists are harassed without cause. As Dan Bello would say, “This is Nigeria.”
The most disturbing development is the adoption of what I call the “new norms” in road transportation by commercial drivers and motorcyclists, who are largely responsible for massive road accidents with dire consequences.
What are the “New Norms”?
Before addressing that question, what is the current state of road accidents in Nigeria?
Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest rates of road accidents in the world. In 2025, the Nigerian Red Cross Society on March 11 and the World Health Organization on September 23 reported an estimated 21.4 road traffic deaths per 100,000 population in Nigeria. This places the country significantly higher than developed regions, but close to the African regional average of 19.5 and the global average of 17.5.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) itself reported 10,446 crashes and 5,289 deaths nationwide between January and December 2025. This translates to an average of approximately 29 crashes and 14.5 deaths every day. Compared with 2024, when the FRSC recorded 9,570 crashes and 5,421 deaths, the number of crashes increased in 2025, even though recorded fatalities fell slightly.
According to a study by Wasiu et al., Nigeria records an average of 1,042 deaths per 100,000 vehicles and a loss of N80 billion worth of goods annually due to road accidents. For a long time, road traffic accidents have been devastating, with a high fatality rate. For instance, in 1984, Nigeria was reported to have the highest rate of road traffic deaths in Africa, with the likelihood of a vehicle killing someone being 47 times higher than in Britain (Bolade and Ogunsanya, 1990).
Data on recent fatality rates are mostly underreported or difficult to access. However, the accident rate is likely to increase due to growth in vehicle population, the number of road users, overloading, dilapidated roads, and the adoption of these so-called “new norms.”
One of these “new norms” is the conveyance of passengers in the booths of vehicles meant for goods. It is now common to see one to three passengers crammed into the booth of a commercial vehicle alongside goods. I have observed on many occasions, on several highways, commercial cars with a maximum capacity of four passengers and a driver carrying three passengers in front, four at the back, and another four in the booth – a space now popularly called the “big parlour.”[boots]
Recently, I saw a Golf III vehicle carrying a bull and two passengers on its roof, with eleven people inside. The driver sped past, waving casually at traffic officers. What an irony!
These vehicles are driven above the speed limit, and when they are involved in accidents, the consequences are often tragic. One may wonder why passengers accept being placed in the “big parlour.” The reason is economic: they pay a lower fare than those seated inside. These drivers get away with this dangerous practice despite the presence of road marshals, which is why it has become a new norm.
Why are road marshals and officers docile? Are their palms being greased, or are they simply overwhelmed by the sheer number of offenders and have chosen to overlook the new normal? The Corps Marshal must act decisively to reduce the tragic loss of lives and property.
Another “new norm” is the operation of commercial motorcycles in rural and urban areas. The activities of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as “Okada” or “Achaba,” have caused numerous road traffic accidents due to their dangerous and reckless riding. They appear largely unaware of road traffic rules and regulations. They mostly ride at high speed to convey passengers quickly and increase their daily income.
Two major “new norms” adopted by this category of road users are overloading and the removal of side mirrors. I have repeatedly seen motorcycles carrying four to five people or three 100-kg bags of grains. A motorcycle carrying three people with a heavy load at high speed has become a common sight in most urban areas and satellite towns of major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna.
Ideally, a motorcycle is designed to carry a rider and one passenger – two people – with a light load, moving at moderate speed.
In addition to overloading, over 90% of motorcycles on our roads have had their mirrors removed by their riders. The mirrors, mounted on the left and right sides, help the rider monitor traffic from behind and avoid being suddenly overtaken. The reason for removing them is to reduce wind resistance and increase speed, as the mirrors increase the width and air drag. Consequently, many motorcycle accidents occur because riders are unable to see vehicles approaching from behind.
Yet another “new norm” is the refusal of both riders and passengers to wear crash helmets, which prevent major head injuries in the event of an accident.
The same applies to tricycles. A tricycle, with a normal capacity of three passengers and a driver, is now forced to carry between six and ten passengers. At one point, I counted about 15 people – some inside and others clinging to the body of the tricycle, popularly called “Keke Napep.” It was a disgusting sight and an invitation to disaster. More often than not, by the mercy of God, such scenes pass without incident. What a benevolent God!
Some of the major responsibilities of the FRSC include preventing or minimizing accidents on highways, clearing obstructions on any part of the highways, and educating drivers, motorists, and other members of the public on the proper use of the highways. So, why is the FRSC ignoring these traffic offenders? Why are road marshals looking the other way?
While the responsiveness and promptness of road marshals when accidents occur is commendable – they are quick to evacuate victims – they must be equally vigilant in preventing accidents. They must insist that no passenger is carried in the “big parlour,” that all motorcycles are fitted with side mirrors, and that no more than two people ride on a single motorcycle. These measures will certainly help save the lives of our compatriots.
Over to you, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). A rigorous campaign must be mounted to educate motorcyclists on the importance of side mirrors, sanction offenders, and build capacity for all categories of road users. Can we have mobile courts for traffic offences across the nation? The National Assembly should act in this direction.
May God give you and the road marshals the wisdom to do the needful. Amen.
