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NGOs, CSOs Call for Adoption of Strategies to Address Road Crashes in Nigeria
The Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Road Safety and Injury Prevention have called for the adoption of sector-based strategies to address the hydra-headed challenges of road crashes, injuries, and deaths in Nigeria.
The Coordinator and leader of the representatives of NGOs/CSOs, Dr. Yusuf John Suberu, expressed serious concerns about how to tackle pre-crash, crash, and post-crash issues in Nigeria and outlined the way forward.
According to him, “The relevant stakeholders of the initiative have been unable to reach the target specified in the first phase of the decade of action, urging the need to galvanize resources together to actualize the action plans for the 2nd decade of action and its implementation.
“In this regard, the outcome of this meeting would lead to the adoption of sector-based strategies to address the hydra-headed challenges of road traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths in Nigeria and the development of a communique that would be used as a roadmap to accomplish the set-out goals of the decade of action for the year 2024.”
It is noteworthy to indicate that there is a high rate of compromise in the operations of some driving schools, as well as the process of the issuance of driver’s licenses, which is largely responsible for the low quality of driver education, increased rate of road safety violations, and carnage on Nigerian roads.
“The high number of vehicles on our roads that are not certified as being roadworthy is also being used for commute everywhere, thereby endangering precious lives and valuable properties.
“The lack of inter-agency cooperation among relevant stakeholders (Government Agencies, NGOs, and CSOs) in the post-crash activities, coupled with inadequate funding by the government, has resulted in the decline of effective collaborative activities to bring about the development of the sector.”
Speaking further, he said there is a need to raise fundamental issues on discrepancies in the recording of data on road accidents or crash fatalities, which have been grossly underreported. This has led to the inability to access requisite funds from international donor agencies by Nigerian government agencies and private organizations for the promotion of safety on Nigerian roads.
He, however, urged the stakeholders to proffer workable solutions towards enhancing the full accomplishment and sustenance of the pillars of the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety in Nigeria.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to his Kaduna residence after spending two years in Daura, Katsina State, since leaving office in May 2023.
Before leaving the office, Buhari said he would settle in Daura and care for his cattle.
A few weeks ago, while receiving journalists at his residence in Daura, Buhari said that he was feeding from his Kaduna House rent.
Now that he has launched a comeback to Kaduna, a city he retired to as a military president, it is not clear whether he will now be living at the boy’s quarters or he has evicted his tenants.
Besides his cattle rearing, there has been no concrete reason Buhari opted for a quiet life in his hometown and largely avoided active political discussions, focusing on private engagements.
President Buhari was accompanied to Kaduna from Daura by Vice President Kashim Shettima and high-profile dignitaries, including the governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, and his counterpart, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, current and former Deputy Governors of Katsina State, a retired Inspector General of Police, former ministers, and several of his aides.
In a post by Buhari’s Media Aide, Bashir Ahmad, the former president met with a warm reception from well-wishers in Katsina, who were also received by Mallam Mamman Daura, Musa Halilu (Dujiman Adamawa), and Bashir Ahmad, who gathered to welcome him back.”
By Emma Peter
Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State has reappointed Dr Princess Margaret Itake Elayo as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, following a recent cabinet reshuffle.
Dr Margaret’s reappointment comes after the state executive council was dissolved on 3 January 2025. While she was initially excluded from last week’s swearing-in due to allegations regarding the diversion of palliative materials, a subsequent investigation cleared her of any wrongdoing.
The governor has also restructured the Ministry of Humanitarian, Special Duties & NGOs, renaming it the Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office at the Executive Council Chambers in Lafia, Dr Margaret expressed her gratitude to Governor Sule for the opportunity to serve again.
She pledged to revitalise initiatives focused on women and humanitarian issues, particularly empowering elderly women, vulnerable groups, and marginalised communities.
“Women are the backbone of society, the nurturers, and the future builders of the next generation,” she said.
“We must invest in their potential, equip them for success, and create an enabling environment for them to lead and innovate in facing everyday challenges.”
She further assured that under Governor Sule’s leadership, the ministry would drive meaningful change, champion women’s development, and ensure that women in Nasarawa State have a voice and a pathway to prosperity.
The Minister of State for Works, Honourable Muhammad Bello Goronyo, has called on Nigerians to actively support and understand the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He made this appeal while receiving the leadership of the Youth Partnership for African Development (YOUPAD) in Abuja, where he was honoured with the Icon of Selfless and Innovative Leadership award.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Goronyo emphasised the need for collective efforts in driving national development, particularly in infrastructure. He highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving road networks across the country, stressing that good roads are essential for security and economic growth.
“So far, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has embarked on a massive rehabilitation of dilapidated roads nationwide. Insecurity sometimes thrives when roads are in poor condition, as non-state actors take advantage of the situation to cause disruptions,” he stated.
The minister urged Nigerians, regardless of tribe or religion, to support the government’s initiatives, noting that inclusive participation is key to achieving the administration’s goals.
Earlier, the President of YOUPAD, Mr Henry Nkem Nwankwo, commended Hon. Goronyo for his dedication to bridging the gap between the government and the people. He described the minister as a true ambassador of the Tinubu administration, whose efforts in the Ministry of Works and Housing have been instrumental in advancing national development.
The award was presented to Hon. Goronyo by Mr Nwankwo, alongside other YOUPAD representatives, including delegates from Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire.
ENDS.