The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is facing a significant challenge in enforcing the mandatory use of speed limiting devices in commercial vehicles across Nigeria. This policy, introduced in 2016, aimed to curb road accidents caused by excessive speeding, a persistent issue identified as the leading cause of fatal crashes on Nigerian roads. The FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, highlighted that speed consistently emerges as the primary contributing factor to road crashes, injuries, and fatalities based on collected data. This alarming trend prompted the corps to implement a more proactive approach beyond public awareness campaigns, recognizing that behavioral change alone was insufficient to address the problem.
The mandatory installation of speed limiters was officially approved by the Federal Government and implemented in 2016, targeting commercial vehicles initially. However, the FRSC has encountered substantial resistance from commercial vehicle operators. Ogungbemide explained that the challenges include complaints about the cost of installation, perceived interference with vehicle performance, and deliberate tampering with the devices. Some operators have been accused of recalibrating the devices to exceed the prescribed speed limits, undermining the policy’s effectiveness. This non-compliance, coupled with the initial resistance, has created a significant hurdle in achieving widespread adoption of the speed limiting devices.
The FRSC’s data reveals a stark contrast between the number of registered commercial vehicles and those fitted with the devices. As of February 2025, only a small fraction of the total commercial vehicle population had complied with the policy. This low compliance rate underscores the magnitude of the challenge facing the FRSC in enforcing the speed limiting device policy. The gap between the intended impact and the actual implementation highlights the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and strategies to encourage compliance among commercial vehicle operators.
The FRSC emphasizes that data consistently demonstrates the critical role of speed in road accidents, making speed limiting devices a crucial safety measure. Despite the initial optimism surrounding the policy’s implementation, the FRSC’s efforts have been hampered by widespread non-compliance and deliberate sabotage. This resistance, combined with the technical challenges related to installation and maintenance, has undermined the policy’s effectiveness. The agency recognizes that stronger enforcement and increased public awareness are vital to achieving the desired reduction in speed-related crashes.
Addressing the challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. The FRSC needs to strengthen its enforcement mechanisms to deter non-compliance and tampering with the devices. Simultaneously, addressing the concerns of commercial vehicle operators about the cost and potential impact on vehicle performance is essential. Public awareness campaigns should continue to educate drivers and vehicle owners about the importance of speed limiters in saving lives and reducing road accidents. Collaboration with stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers, transport unions, and mechanics, is crucial to ensure proper installation and maintenance of the devices.
The FRSC’s struggle with implementing the speed limiting device policy highlights the complexities of road safety management in Nigeria. While the policy holds significant potential to reduce speed-related crashes and save lives, its effectiveness is contingent upon addressing the widespread resistance and non-compliance among commercial vehicle operators. A comprehensive approach involving stricter enforcement, targeted public awareness campaigns, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders is essential to overcome the current challenges and achieve the desired impact of the policy. Ultimately, the success of the speed limiting device policy hinges on creating a culture of road safety that prioritizes compliance and recognizes the life-saving potential of this technology.
