2,776 killed, 16,309 injured in 7 months as FRSC launches app to reduce road crashes

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

No fewer than 2,776 Nigerians have been killed, 16,309 injured between January and July, as a result of road crashes, this year. Also, 2023, 5,081 people lost their lives, and 31,874 were injured.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the launch of a mobile app know as National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) portal, yesterday in Abuja.

Akume explained that NACRIS Portal would afford road users the opportunity report road crashes and other road-related issues across the country.

He stated the digital initiative of FRSC would improve the administration of the corps and deliver on its mandate.

According to him, the mobile app and NACRIS would raise awareness and sensitise drivers and passengers to potential causative factors of road traffic crashes.

“The launch is a testimony to the FRSC Corps Marshal’s commitment to fulfilling his promises and implementing policies aimed at creating a safer motoring environment.

“Data on road traffic crashes reveals that between January and December 2023, 5,081 Nigerians lost their lives, and 31,874 were injured.

“Furthermore, between January and July 2024, 2,776 persons were killed, and 16,309 injured due to road traffic crashes,” stated Mr Akume.

He commended the FRSC for aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for digital transformation and economic growth.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed stated that the Corps had been active in formulating and implementing policies to improve road safety administration.

Mohammed said: “Despite our modest achievements, the FRSC still believes there is room for improvement and development, especially in line with the current global trend in the digital economy.

“It is in consideration of this global trend that I decided to focus on digitising FRSC operations as one of the cardinal objectives of my team.

“The launch of the FRSC Mobile App and NACRIS is therefore a deliberate effort by the Corps to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at digital transformation, ease of doing business, and economic growth for the nation.

“The proper application of these features is expected to drastically reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from road traffic crashes.

“In this era of technological advancement, the FRSC cannot afford to lag behind. It is in this light that the Corps has decided to adapt and evolve its operations into the global network service system.

“On the other hand, NACRIS is designed to promote a multi-sectoral approach to crash reporting and data storage. We are all aware that globally, decision-makers rely on the accuracy and reliability of data to make informed decisions.

“Considering that data is a valuable tool for planning and resource allocation, the NACRIS approach is designed to ensure that collated data is used for effective implementation of policies that will positively impact road safety administration and management.”