Youth-Led Road Safety Campaign Pushed for in 2025 by FRSC

Federal Road Safety Corps Urges Nigerian Youth to Lead Safe Roads Movement

At the 2025 Road Safety Hangout in Abuja, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) called on Nigerian youth to take the lead in championing safer roads across the country. The FCT Sector Commander, Mr Felix Theman, made this call, emphasising the importance of active participation, discipline, and commitment of the youth for a safer future.

The theme of the event, "Safer Roads, Brighter Future; Youth Leading the Change," aligns with the UN International Youth Week theme: "Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond." The FRSC values its relationship with the youth, as the corps itself started with a youth-driven foundation.

Mr Theman urged the youth to be agents of change on all issues affecting the nation, expressing concern over the unsafe driving behaviours of some young road users. He listed impatience, disobedience of traffic lights, driving against traffic (one-way), use of handsets while driving, overloading, illegal and unsafe parking, use of unpainted taxis, speeding, and failure to use pedestrian bridges as major concerns for road users in the FCT.

The FRSC has stepped up enforcement through increased mobile court sessions, targeting recurring offences. Penalties for offences include 14-day community service, driver's licence suspension, and prescribed fines to deter others. The last mobile court session led to the arrest of over 250 drivers and riders for more than 550 offences.

Mr Theman urged youths to adopt responsible driving habits, embrace technology for safer mobility, engage in peer-to-peer education, and champion community safety initiatives. He described the hangout as a celebration of the energy and potential of young people and their role in shaping a safer and more sustainable nation.

The event, "Road Safety Hangout," is supported by the Ministry of Youth Development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), representatives of religious organisations, and youth groups. Mr Theman expressed hope that the youth would rise to the occasion and lead the charge for safer roads in Nigeria.

Statistics have shown high fatality rates among young drivers and the dangers posed to other road users by risky driving practices. The FRSC's call to action comes as a response to these statistics, with the aim of empowering young people with road safety knowledge and leadership opportunities. This, according to Mr Theman, is an investment with lifelong dividends.

In conclusion, the FRSC's call for Nigerian youth to lead the safe roads movement is a timely and necessary step towards reducing road accidents and fatalities in the country. Young people can display the highest level of discipline, including obeying speed limits, ignoring calls while driving, and driving responsibly. By taking up this challenge, Nigerian youth can contribute significantly to a safer and more sustainable future for all.