FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – In a bid to address Nigeria’s rising road accidents, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, has launched the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)’s nationwide initiative, “Operation Sanity,” aimed at reducing road traffic fatalities to a minimum.
Governor Sule launched the initiative in Lafia shortly after hosting on a courtesy call, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Muhammad at the Government House on Tuesday.
The Governor commended the FRSC leadership for rising to the challenge of reforming road safety culture, particularly in a country where reckless driving remains endemic.
“You have a very important job just like all members of your team, to be able to save lives of people on the road. It is not an easy thing to do, especially in a country where a lot of people just enjoy driving at a very high speed,” he stated.
He reiterated the support of his administration to the FRSC, adding that the exercise provided him with the opportunity to fulfil his earlier promise to the Nasarawa State FRSC Sector Commander, CC Comfort Ochiba Asom to join the corps as Patron of the Nasarawa State Special Corps Marshal.
Governor Sule used the opportunity of the event to also congratulate the FRSC Corps Marshal on his ascension to the peak of his career, commending Muhammad for his energy and vision to reform in the agency.
“I also want to thank you for selecting Nasarawa State to launch the Operation Sanity. When the Sector Commander visited here sometimes ago, I promised her I would join the FRSC. I am happy that I am fulfilling this promise today. I will join you to be part of the exercise today,” he said.
This is just as the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Muhammad commended Governor Sule for the continued support to the advancement of road safety in the state.
The Corps Marshal particularly appreciated the Governor for the landmark achievements recorded in the areas of infrastructure, uplifting the quality of life of Nasarawa State citizens and economic development.
He pointed out that these developments are reflected in the numerous projects being executed in the state spanning through healthcare, education, urban renewal, and electrification, with the attention of the FRSC particularly drawn to the ongoing road construction, flyovers, and underpasses in the state, as well as the reconstruction of some Federal Government roads linking the state with the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, and Kogi States which he added would ensure seamless land transportation of food, freight and passenger services as well as reduce rate of fatalities and injuries resulting from road traffic crashes.
“His Excellency is at the forefront of achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals by keying into the renewed hope agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Your Excellency Sir, please keep up the good work. Nigerians are proud of you. We are proud of you,” he added.
The Corps Marshal revealed that 1.19 million global annual road deaths occur predominantly in Africa, with Nigeria recording 5,081 fatalities and 31,871 injuries in 2024 alone.
“Between January and March 2025, 1,539 Nigerians lost their lives. In the Jos-Lafia-Makurdi corridor, 30 deaths and 339 injuries occurred this quarter. This is unacceptable,” he stressed.
While urging other state governors to emulate Governor Sule, he explained that the launching of Operation Sanity in Lafia, is a testimony that the Nasarawa State Government’s committed to mobilizing both human and material resources to confront prevailing road safety challenges not only in the state but the country as a whole.
“The rate of accidents is alarming and unacceptable. Operation Sanity is, therefore, a timely and commendable intervention to create awareness on the road safety issues. In Nigeria, the Bureau for Statistics has estimated the cost of road crashes at a yearly 2 per cent of the country’s GDP. Considering this huge socio-economic cost of road crashes, I have to commend His Excellency for taking the bull by the horn to flag off Operation Sanity in Nasarawa State,” he added.
Earlier, FRSC Sector Commander in Nasarawa State, CC Comfort Ochiba Asom, gave details of the initiative’s dual focus on education and enforcement.
“Through public enlightenment, safety material distribution, and strict adherence to traffic laws, we aim to instill a culture of responsible driving,” she said.
According to her, prosecution of traffic offenders will complement efforts to meet the 10% fatality reduction target.
Highpoint of the visit was Governor Sule’s symbolic flag-off of Operation Sanity patrols, reiterating his administration’s resolve to curb road traffic accidents.
The FRSC Corps Marshal was accompanied on the visit by a delegation of officers from Nasarawa, neighboring states of Plateau and Benue, as well as the FCT.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
