The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Katsina State has launched its 2025 Ember Months Flag-Off Campaign and Town Hall Meeting, themed “Take Responsibility for Your Safety – Stop Distracted Driving.”
The campaign, held at Bello Kofar Bai Hall in the state secretariat, brought together security agencies, religious leaders, transport unions, academics, and community representatives to discuss strategies for safer road use during the high-risk end-of-year period.
Speaking at the event, the FRSC Sector Commander in Katsina, Corps Commander Maxwell Kaltungo Lede, said the campaign aims to strengthen public understanding of the dangers of distracted driving and encourage a culture of personal responsibility among road users.
“Our goal is to create behavioural change, build stronger partnerships, and ensure that every driver and road user takes ownership of their safety,” he said.
Lede identified distracted driving—caused by mobile phone use, talking to passengers, eating while driving, speeding, stress, or fatigue—as a major factor in road accidents.
According to him, Nigeria recorded 7,715 road crashes between January and September 2025, a 10% increase compared to 2024. Injuries also rose by 10%, while fatalities slightly increased by 2.7%. However, Katsina recorded a 39% decline in accidents and a 20% drop in deaths over the same period.
He attributed the improvement to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s investment in road infrastructure and safety initiatives.
Representing the governor, the Director-General of the Katsina State Road Transport and Traffic Agency (KASSAROTA), Major Garba Yahaya Rimi (Rtd.), reaffirmed the government’s support for FRSC’s efforts.
“Our lives and safety are in the hands of whoever holds the steering wheel. Everyone must therefore handle their vehicle with care and responsibility,” he said.
Participants, including security officials, religious leaders, and transport union representatives, made recommendations on how to improve road safety education.
The FRSC said it would forward the meeting’s resolutions to its national headquarters for onward transmission to the Federal Government for policy consideration.
