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Avoiding Road Traffic Accidents In Nigeria
In general, accident is described as an unplanned, unexpected, and undersigned (not purposefully caused) event which occurs suddenly and causes injury or loss, a decrease in values of the resources, or an increase in liabilities.
As a technical term ‘accident’ does not have a clearly defined legal meaning. In insurance terminology, an accident is the event which is not deliberately caused, and which is not inevitable. For example, if a driver (who is covered under personal automobile insurance for injury and losses due to negligence) willfully drives the vehicle into a tree, the resulting injury or loss is not insured even though it can still be referred as an accident.
In other words, road traffic accident is described as accidents involving road users vehicular or human. In most road accidents, it is frequently the driver who is blamed rather than the road. Those reporting the accident have the tendency of laying the whole blame on the driver either for over speeding, wrong overtaking, over loading among other human errors.
Available statistics shows that Nigeria ranks number nine in the world in terms of road traffic accidents and number three in Africa. According to the statistics, Nigeria is behind Iran, Iraq, Venezuela, Guyana, Libya, Dominican Republic, Uganda and Burkina Faso.
A breakdown of the statistics reveals that Nigeria is ranked number nine with 35.39 points behind Libya, Uganda and Burkina Faso that have 38.69, 87.14 and 36.56 points respectively while Iran is number one with 43.54 points followed by Iraq with 41.41 points.
Others are Venezuela with 41.06, Guyana 39.80, and Dominican Republic which has 38.51 points.
Worried by this development, stakeholders in the nation’s road safety sector have expressed concern about the Global Status Report in 2015 that the total number of road traffic deaths worldwide has risen to 1.25 million annually.
They observe that although there has been progress towards improving road safety legislation and making highways safer, the pace of reducing road accidents is slow.
They also solicit urgent action to achieve the target for road safety as indicated in the newly adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
But traffic regulatory authorities have insisted that in spite of growing concerns over the non-compliance with traffic rules and regulations by motorists in Nigeria, they have adopted measures aimed at stemming the trend.
Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi, the head of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), noted that in spite of the measures, road crashes occurred due to non-compliance with traffic laws by road users.
“Non-compliance with traffic laws is as a result of lawlessness by some road users which is rampant in the urban areas,’’ he observed.
According to him, use of cell phones and jumping traffic light form aspects of lawlessness among motorists that result in road accidents in some cases.
Oyeyemi explained that the traffic law enforcement agencies were given the responsibility of restoring discipline by apprehending violators and applying sanctions.
He said there were 10 mobile courts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, alongside other conventional courts where those arrested were prosecuted, observing that the commission would soon increase the number of its mobile courts nationwide.
Oyeyemi emphasised that speed among motorists had been a contentious issue in ensuring safety globally.
“Enforcement of Speed Limiting Device policy is supported by the act that sets up FRSC and for us to attain reduction in road crashes; we need to move on with the enforcement of the policy.
“Speed accounts for over 65 per cent of road crashes in the country through which lives and property are lost on daily basis; in Nigeria, speed accounts for 50 per cent of road crashes,’’ he said.
He further said that the FRSC Act was being amended to include community service so that people that had contravened the laws could serve the community as punishment instead of pay fines.
He observed that this measure would deter violators because during work hours when they were supposed to be busy making a living, they would be forced to clean the motor parks or sweep public places.
“FRSC is also working in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the use of breathalyzers to check the alcohol level in the blood system of drivers.
“ Breathalyzer is for all drivers. We go to the motor parks to conduct this because that is where we have the deviants more.
“ For private drivers, we believe they are more reasonable. However, once in a while, we conduct some random checks on them,’’ he said.
He acknowledged the effort of traffic law enforcement agencies in restoring discipline by ensuring that the sale of alcohol was banned at motor parks.
Supporting the use of breathalyzers, Mr Udeme Eshiet, FCT Sector Head of FRSC Operations unit, said it was useful in detecting the level of alcohol in the blood system of drivers.
“When the instrument is used and the level of alcohol is above 0.5 milligrams, it shows that such a driver is not fit to drive,’’ he noted.
Eshiet said that drivers were expected to show a print-out of the test at the beginning of their journey normally in the morning to indicate that they were alcohol free.
He added that the weekly rally being done by the road safety headquarters in collaboration with FCT was aimed at enlightening the public on traffic regulations.
“This enlightenment rally is a wakeup call for members of the public to resist some evil acts and to make them aware that the giver and taker of a bribe are culpable,’’ he said.
All these measures notwithstanding, Mr. Okon Akpan, a driver, attributed violation of traffic rules to lack of training in driving, stress and incomplete vehicle documentation.
“I do not violate traffic laws because I am a trained driver. Drivers can violate traffic laws sometimes when they are under stress or when they suspect that law enforcement agents are pursuing them.
“They can violate by beating the traffic light while they are speeding to evade the law enforcement agents because their vehicle particulars are not complete,’’ he observed.
He, however, called on road safety personnel to help educate road users when approaching traffic lights and, most importantly, on lanes to use when approaching a bend.
Stakeholders also advise that road users should always adopt the necessary defensive driving attitude for safety.
“Defensive driving requires drivers to keep in mind the existence of road hazards and get prepared to take safety measure.
“They should make allowances for other road users to adjust to the situation, be on the look-out for traffic signs and pedestrian actions that may cause traffic hazards.
“Aside this, motorists should minimise the chances of accidents from mechanical failure by proper maintenance of vehicles.
“They must be able to quickly adapt to road conditions while maintaining proper control of their vehicles,’’ Mr Oladunjoye Ige, a motorist and civil servant, said.
By and large, the FRSC advises the public to call the emergency toll-free number 122 in the event of accident, emergency or removal of broken down vehicles.
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El-Rufai Prays for Late Audu Ogbeh, Says He Deserves Al-Jannah Firdaus Despite Being Catholic

By: Fabian Apechihin
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described the late Chief Audu Ogbeh as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to the service of others, praying that God grants him eternal rest in paradise.
Speaking in a video shared by Symfoni TV, El-Rufai acknowledged that Ogbeh was a Catholic, not a Muslim, but said he would continue to pray that Allah admits him into Al-Jannah Firdaus because “he is deserving of it.”
Holding back tears, the former governor praised Ogbeh as “a good man” who touched many lives and left behind a legacy of service. He also recalled Ogbeh’s achievements as Minister of Agriculture, noting that under his leadership Nigeria ended its heavy reliance on rice imports.
“Before his reforms, Nigeria was spending five million dollars monthly on rice imports, but that figure dropped to zero during his tenure,” El-Rufai said.
He prayed for comfort for Ogbeh’s family and loved ones, adding: “I will keep praying for Audu Ogbeh, a Catholic and not a Muslim, so that Allah would grant him entrance to Al-Jannah Firdaus. What a great man he was.”
Do you want me to make this more emotional and tribute-like (focusing on Ogbeh’s character and legacy), or keep it strictly factual and political?
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Facilitation

I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a man whose life continues to illuminate the path of honour, courage, and patriotism: Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd.), on the occasion of his 76th birthday. It is not only a moment of personal reflection but a national milestone, as we honour a soldier, statesman, pro-democracy icon, and moral conscience of our nation.
Colonel Umar stands tall among Nigeria’s most principled voices; his name evoking an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and democratic ideals. In the tumultuous days following the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, when many chose silence or self-preservation, he chose the difficult path of truth. He risked his career, comfort, and personal safety by speaking out in defence of Chief MKO Abiola’s stolen mandate, despite being a senior member of the ruling military council. It was a singular act of bravery that not only inspired a generation but redefined the meaning of loyalty to country over convenience.
As a young civil rights activist in those difficult days, I found in Colonel Umar not just a role model, but a moral compass. He demonstrated to us that true leadership is not merely about wielding power, but standing firm in defence of what is right, even at great personal cost. His resignation from the Nigerian Army at a time when he stood poised for further elevation is perhaps one of the most courageous acts in our political history.
As Governor of Kaduna State today, I draw deep inspiration from his sterling example of inclusive leadership. His tenure as military governor of this great state remains a reference point for fairness, balance, and peacebuilding. In a deeply diverse and, at times, fractured society, he governed with wisdom, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in our shared humanity.
Colonel Umar’s transcendence of ethnic and religious divides has never required a denial of his own identity. Rather, he has drawn strength from it: his noble Fulani lineage, his deep Islamic faith, and his enduring belief that justice is the foundation of peace.
I am proud to stand among those who celebrate him, not only for his past heroism, but for his continued voice of conscience in our national life. I also warmly commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring him with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), a richly deserved recognition.
Happy 76th birthday, our highly revered Colonel Dangiwa Umar. May your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
Senator Uba Sani, CON
Governor, Kaduna State
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Natasha; Defamations Charges On Akpabio, Yahaya Bello Suffers Adjournment

By Hassan Taiye
For the second time in 24 hours, the trial of the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan for allegedly defaming the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Adosa Bello suffered an adjournment.
The trial scheduled to kick-start on Tuesday was put off by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja following objections raised by the suspended senator against the competence of the charges.
Natasha predicated her objections on the alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation AGF by filing charges against her at the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on the same subject matter and same complaints.
When the matter was called, David Kaswe, a lawyer from the Ministry of Justice informed the court of his readiness to open the case against the defendant.
He claimed to have his first witness, a Superintendent of Police, Abdulhafeez Garba in court to testify against the senator.
He requested for permission of the court to call the witness into the witness box.
The request was however opposed by lead counsel to the defendant Mr Ehighioge West-Idahosa SAN on the ground that his client has filed a motion on notice, challenging the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court.
West-Idahosa said that the motion has been served on the Attorney General of the Federation AGF as required by law but that the AGF had not responded.
In the drama that ensued, the federal government lawyer who announced appearance for the AGF Office argued that he ought to have been served personally or be informed on phone on the filing of the motion and requested that Natasha’s claim be rejected.
However, the trial Judge, Justice Chizoba Orji found in the case file that the AGF office was served with the motion but had not responded as required by law.
At this point, the federal government lawyer admitted that the AGF had been out of the country and as such, has not made the motion available to him.
After taking arguments for and against adjournment, Justice Chizoba Orji held that the proper thing was to shift trial to enable AGF respond to the motion in the interest of fair hearing.
The Judge subsequently fixed October 27 for Natasha’s motion to be heard along with the response of the AGF.
About two thousand sympathizers escorted the senator to court thereby giving security agents hectic job to control crowd and ward off security breaches.
Natasha’ was on Thursday, June 19, 2025 docked at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja for allegedly defaming the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Adosa Bello.
She was put on trial by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) on three-count criminal charges bordering on harmful imputations during a television interview.
When the charges were read, she pleaded not guilty to all of them.
Justice Chizoba admitted her to bail in the sum of N50 million and one surety in the like sum in the charge marked CR/297/25 filed on May 15, 2025.
The judge had held that the surety must be an owner of landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.
Natasha was, in count one, accused of making harmful imputation which she knew would harm the reputation of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by claiming he plotted, with former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, to kill her.
In count two, she was accused of making a similar harmful imputation knowing that it will harm the reputation of ex-governor Yahaya Bello.
In count three, she was accused of making another imputation, which she knew would harm the reputation of Akpabio by associating him with the death of one Miss Imoren Iniobong.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha, granting her access to the the National Assembly six months after her suspension.
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