The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced its plans to acquire helicopters to strengthen patrol operations through a public-private partnership initiative. Deputy Corps Marshal for Policy, Research, and Statistics, Clement Oladele, revealed this development during a press conference held in Abuja. Originally a long-term objective, the project is now moving closer to implementation.
In addition to helicopters, the FRSC plans to deploy drones and air ambulances to further improve patrol and response capabilities. This move comes in response to alarming statistics: between January and September 2024, 7,011 road traffic accidents resulted in 3,767 fatalities and injuries for 22,373 individuals.
Citing the United Nations Decade of Road Safety 2021-2030, Oladele emphasized the FRSC’s commitment to reduce road traffic deaths by half by 2030. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed highlighted that road traffic accidents are the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, posing a significant risk to Africa’s youth.
To combat this, the FRSC is intensifying public awareness campaigns on the dangers of driving under the influence, particularly targeting drivers in parks. Preparations are also underway to train corps officers for the demands of the busy ember months.
In related initiatives, the Ministry of Works is working to repair damaged roads ahead of the festive season, while FRSC officers receive updated training to manage holiday traffic.
