The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mallam Shehu Mohammed, has urged Nigerians to prioritise road safety as the country marks the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, warning that reckless driving could turn the festive period into a time of tragedy.
In a Democracy Day message, the FRSC boss noted that public holidays often witness increased movement of people and vehicles across the country, leading to heavier traffic and a higher risk of road crashes.
He cautioned motorists against speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, overloading, and other violations of traffic regulations.
“While Nigerians have every reason to celebrate the nation’s democratic journey, such celebrations must be carried out with a deep sense of responsibility, caution and respect for the lives of fellow road users,” Mohammed said.
“No celebration is worth a single life. The true essence of Democracy Day can only be enjoyed when citizens return safely to their homes and loved ones. We must therefore reject all forms of reckless driving and embrace a culture of patience, discipline and consideration on our roads.”
The Corps Marshal also called on passengers to take an active role in road safety by speaking up whenever drivers engage in unsafe practices capable of endangering lives.
According to him, road safety remains a shared responsibility, stressing that every road user has a role to play in protecting lives and preventing crashes.
“As we celebrate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, let us equally demonstrate our commitment to protecting lives through responsible road use. Let us make safety our watchword and ensure that every journey ends in peace,” he added.
Mohammed congratulated Nigerians on the Democracy Day milestone and reassured the public of the FRSC’s readiness to maintain safer highways through intensified patrol operations, traffic management and emergency response services throughout the holiday period.
