The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is grappling with the persistent challenge of excessive speeding on Nigerian roads, a major contributor to the alarmingly high number of road crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Despite implementing a mandatory speed limiter policy in 2016, a substantial portion of commercial vehicles remains non-compliant, hindering the effectiveness of the initiative. Data reveals a grim picture: over 55,000 lives lost and nearly 110,000 accidents recorded in the past decade alone. The FRSC attributes these devastating figures primarily to speeding, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement and wider adoption of speed limiting technology.
The FRSC’s speed limiter policy, approved in 2016 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, mandates the installation of speed regulating devices in commercial vehicles. This initiative, aimed at curbing speed-related crashes by setting a national speed threshold, was implemented after extensive stakeholder consultations. However, as of February 2025, only 187,284 vehicles have complied with the policy, representing a small fraction of the total number of registered commercial vehicles in Nigeria. This low compliance rate underscores the significant challenge the FRSC faces in enforcing the policy and ensuring the safety of Nigerian roads. The FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, expressed serious concern about this lack of compliance, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for vehicle owners to adhere to the regulations.
The implementation of the speed limiter policy has been beset by a series of obstacles. These challenges range from the initial scarcity of speed limiting devices and a lack of technical expertise for their maintenance to resistance from vehicle owners who perceive the installation as an added financial burden. Furthermore, some operators have resorted to tampering with the devices to circumvent the speed limitations, undermining the policy’s effectiveness and jeopardizing road safety. The FRSC acknowledges these challenges but remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing the policy and broadening stakeholder engagement to improve compliance rates.
The FRSC’s efforts to mitigate the risks associated with speeding began with recognizing the pervasive nature of this dangerous behavior. Observing that traditional methods of addressing behavioral and attitudinal changes were insufficient to curb speeding effectively, the FRSC adopted a technology-driven approach. The introduction of speed limiting devices offered a cost-effective and adaptable solution with the potential to regulate vehicle speeds nationally. Despite initial setbacks and postponements, the FRSC persevered in its efforts to fully implement and enforce the policy.
The FRSC’s ongoing commitment to reducing speed-related crashes is evident in its continuous engagement with stakeholders and its persistent efforts to enforce the speed limiter policy. Despite the challenges encountered, the FRSC recognizes the importance of this life-saving technology and remains dedicated to its widespread adoption. While acknowledging the compromises made by some fleet operators and commercial vehicle owners who tamper with the devices, the FRSC is determined to overcome these obstacles and ensure greater compliance. The overarching goal remains the safety of Nigerian roads and the reduction of the tragic loss of life caused by speeding.
The FRSC’s battle against speeding and its consequences is a complex and multifaceted undertaking. The low compliance rate with the speed limiter policy underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach that includes stricter enforcement, increased public awareness campaigns, and ongoing dialogue with stakeholders. Addressing the challenges of device availability, technical expertise, and operator resistance is crucial for the success of the policy. The FRSC’s dedication to utilizing technology as a tool to improve road safety is commendable, and the continued pursuit of this goal is paramount to saving lives and making Nigerian roads safer for all.
