The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is implementing a comprehensive strategy to ensure road safety during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations in 2025, spanning from March 27th to April 2nd. Recognizing the anticipated surge in travel volume and associated risks, the FRSC has prioritized proactive measures to mitigate potential road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries. This involves a significant deployment of resources and personnel across the nation’s highways, aiming to create a visible enforcement presence and provide swift responses to any emergencies that may arise. The overarching goal is to facilitate a safe and smooth travel experience for all road users during this festive period.
The FRSC’s operational blueprint encompasses the strategic deployment of 754 patrol vehicles, positioned along critical routes and high-traffic areas. These patrols serve a multifaceted purpose, including enforcing traffic regulations, clearing obstructions, and providing rapid response to accidents. Supporting the patrol vehicles are 143 ambulances strategically stationed to ensure quick medical assistance to crash victims. Furthermore, 48 tow trucks are on standby to remove disabled vehicles and maintain traffic flow. This combined deployment of vehicles aims to minimize traffic disruptions and efficiently address any incidents that could impede safe and efficient travel. Beyond vehicular deployment, the FRSC’s human resource allocation includes the deployment of its entire workforce, including Special Marshals, further bolstering their capacity to manage traffic and ensure road safety.
Complementing the on-the-ground presence, the FRSC is utilizing technology and inter-agency collaboration to enhance its operational effectiveness. Radar guns will be deployed to monitor and enforce speed limits, a known contributing factor to road accidents. Furthermore, 16 traffic control camps have been established along various routes, providing centralized coordination and resource management. The FRSC is collaborating with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to ensure comprehensive enforcement and joint response capabilities. This inter-agency cooperation is crucial for responding to a wide range of potential incidents and ensuring a coordinated approach to road safety management.
The FRSC is prioritizing key travel corridors across the nation. Focus areas include major routes such as the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum, and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highways. These corridors are anticipated to experience significant traffic volume, requiring dedicated attention to ensure smooth flow and rapid response to any incidents. The stationed ambulances and roadside clinics along these routes are intended to provide prompt medical attention to any casualties, minimizing the severity of injuries and potential fatalities. Emergency rescue teams are also strategically positioned to provide immediate assistance in the event of accidents.
The early deployment of resources underscores the FRSC’s proactive approach to managing the expected challenges during the Eid-el-Fitr period. The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, emphasizes this proactive stance as crucial to addressing the anticipated increase in traffic volume, speeding occurrences, and other risky driving behaviors. By establishing a visible presence on the roads, the FRSC aims to deter dangerous driving practices and promote a culture of safe driving. This proactive approach seeks to prevent accidents before they occur, rather than solely reacting to incidents after they happen.
In addition to physical deployment and enforcement, the FRSC is leveraging technology and communication channels to enhance public engagement and facilitate timely information dissemination. Motorists are encouraged to utilize the FRSC mobile application, social media platforms, and the toll-free helpline (122) to report traffic incidents, seek assistance, or access real-time updates on traffic conditions. The FRSC is also actively broadcasting traffic information via the National Traffic Radio, providing listeners with up-to-the-minute reports and guidance. This multi-channel communication strategy ensures that motorists have readily accessible information and can actively participate in maintaining road safety. Mobile courts have also been set up to expedite the legal processes related to traffic violations, ensuring swift and effective enforcement. This multifaceted approach, combining visible deployment, inter-agency collaboration, technology utilization, and public engagement, aims to create a comprehensive safety net for all road users during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
