The Akin Fadeyi Foundation has introduced a new campaign aimed at changing behavior toward road safety, highlighting that Nigeria’s significant rate of road accidents stems from infrastructure issues and a lack of civic responsibility.
This initiative was launched on Tuesday during a webinar as part of the foundation's "Not in My Country" project, which brought together lawmakers, security personnel, scholars, and advocacy organizations.
During the webinar, Akin Fadeyi, the foundation's founder, questioned why road accidents are still prevalent despite years of public awareness and governmental initiatives aimed at curbing them.
Mr. Fadeyi presented statistics showing that over 10,000 road accidents were recorded, resulting in nearly 39,000 injuries and over 5,000 fatalities within a given timeframe, describing these incidents as "unfinished stories and lost potentials."
"Many of these incidents should not be classified as accidents; they are the result of behavioral violations, such as speeding, driving under the influence, overloading, and improper parking," he stated.
He also linked the issue to wider concerns of governance and corruption, remarking that Nigeria has amassed hundreds of billions of dollars from oil but continues to face road infrastructure inadequacies.
Mr. Fadeyi contended that while governmental accountability is crucial, citizens must also engage in responsible behavior.
"Why do we persist in placing all responsibility on the government while neglecting our roles in ensuring our safety?" he questioned.
The foundation's campaign includes a concise audio message that discourages drunk driving and other dangerous behaviors, with plans to share this content across social media platforms while seeking broadcasting support to enhance its reach.
Additionally, he mentioned that the foundation has previously collaborated with international organizations, including the MacArthur Foundation and the United Nations, on various governance and behavioral change projects.
During the discussions, attendees pressed the foundation to outline how the campaign would successfully foster tangible changes, noting that similar corporate road safety campaigns have often failed to result in significant behavioral shifts.
One participant pointed out that past awareness efforts led by alcohol manufacturers did not appear to have effectively decreased accident rates, arguing that press conferences and media campaigns rarely lead to lasting behavior change.
In response, Mr. Fadeyi emphasized that the foundation aims to focus on advocacy at the community level and collaborate with institutions rather than just criticizing the government.
He underscored the importance of cooperation with law enforcement and urged citizens to adopt responsible safety practices.
He raised the necessity for improved data management systems for better documentation of accident details, including time and location, along with evidence gathering.
He suggested that technology could be utilized for citizens to report traffic violations and for authorities to efficiently verify driver and vehicle information.
Also contributing to the discussion, Kunle Ojeleye, a scholar, highlighted that Nigeria's road safety challenges are indicative of deeper systemic flaws in accountability and enforcement mechanisms.
Mr. Ojeleye criticized the lax enforcement of vehicle certification and the issuance of driver licenses without adequate testing.
"Licenses are issued at home without individuals undergoing proper training or testing, which is standard in many other nations," he pointed out, stressing the necessity for personal accountability among all individuals, including public officials.
The Lagos State Information Commissioner, Gbenga Omotoso, commented on the societal tendency to emphasize rights while neglecting responsibilities.
"In Nigeria, people readily discuss their rights, yet few consider their responsibilities," he remarked, referencing recent attacks on traffic enforcement officials in the line of duty, where some were harmed or killed while attempting to enforce regulations.
He defended state policies aimed at reducing motorcycle operations and curbing alcohol consumption at transport hubs, stating that such measures, though often criticized, are intended to safeguard lives.
"When the government takes action, people often complain. However, ensuring safety is a collective duty," he explained.
Beyond road safety, the foundation connects this campaign to its broader governance efforts involving citizen engagement with law enforcement and interventions related to domestic violence and cyberbullying.
Mr. Fadeyi asserted that behavioral change is vital for national advancement and called for collective vigilance to decrease preventable road fatalities in Nigeria.
Historically, PREMIUM TIMES has documented Nigeria's escalating road safety crisis, showcasing many fatal crashes that underscore the human toll behind the statistics.
In January 2025, the Federal Road Safety Corps reported that a crash in Katsina State resulted in nine deaths and 21 injuries, exemplifying how ordinary journeys can turn tragic.
In March 2025, a collision on the Jos–Bauchi route claimed at least 10 lives, exacerbating concerns regarding speed and visibility on roadways.
A tragic incident in Ebonyi State reported by PREMIUM TIMES indicated that seven individuals lost their lives due to dangerous overtaking on a narrow road, raising concerns about enforcement rigor at the local level.
In early 2025, a multi-vehicle crash in Abuja led to six fatalities and numerous injuries, further illustrating the urgent need for road safety improvements.
Recent accidents along the Enugu–Port Harcourt highway resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, highlighting persistent safety challenges in one of the busiest areas in the South-South region.
Compounding these issues, PREMIUM TIMES has reported on enforcement challenges and instances of misconduct that further exacerbate road safety difficulties in Nigeria.
An investigation was launched into FRSC officials following claims of extortion from drivers on national highways, which raised concerns about the integrity of enforcement processes and public trust.
Legislators and safety advocates continue to call for improved enforcement of vehicle safety standards and strict compliance with licensing processes, elements critics argue are fundamental to mitigating accidents.
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