By Abdul Jelil Adebayo 

Dateline was June 26-27, 2025. Venue was Lusaka, Zambia. Event was the 1st General Assembly of the Continental Road Safety body of 20 African countries.

Nigeria came out of it smiling as the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed came back with the trophy of the Permanent Secretariat of all Road Safety Lead Agencies AARSLA across the African continent.

This historic emergence marks a new era of collaboration and coordination among African nations in the quest to reduce road traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities across the continent. 

As the Permanent Secretariat, FRSC will serve as the central co-ordinating body for all road safety lead agencies in Africa, facilitating the sharing of best practices, harmonization of road safety strategies, and mobilization of resources towards the implementation of the African Road Safety Action Plan.

Speaking on this remarkable achievement, the Corps Marshal FRSC, Shehu Mohammed expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in Nigeria’s road safety institution and reaffirmed FRSC’s continuous commitment to championing road safety initiatives that will save lives and improve transportation systems across Africa.

While pledging his support for the Association, the Corps Marshal maintained that the digitalization and robust sensitisation policy thrust of his administration will be deployed in assisting the Secretariat and a boost for the Corps to rejig its commitment in service delivery in Africa. 

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s continued support, without which the Corps wouldn’t have achieved this feat.

He noted amongst many others that; “This is not just a recognition of Nigeria’s efforts, but a call to greater responsibility. We will work with every African country to strengthen policies, enhance capacity building, and deploy innovative solutions for safer roads.”““It will be recalled that the idea to have a regional entity was one of the resolutions of the General Assembly of the Sub Sahara Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) that was held in Cotonou the Republic of Benin in March, 2025.

SSATP is a World Bank Programme for over 30 years in Africa with a membership of 43 countries. It partners with African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) as the leading Transport Policy development forum for the Continent, with a strong convening and networking power capable of sensitizing and mobilizing policy makers at the highest levels of government.

This milestone aligns with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which seeks to halve road traffic deaths and injuries worldwide. 

AARSLA is part of the Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP), which has 43 member countries. The association aims to strengthen national institutions and promote coordinated action to reduce road traffic fatalities across the continent.

Meanwhile Olusegun Ogungbemide, the “Assistant Corps Marshal “Corps Public Education Officer “Federal Road Safety Corps explained that the African Transport Policy Program (SSATP) is a continental programme that aims to facilitate the development of sound transport policies and support their implementation across Africa. 

He said mainstreaming road safety activities using the “Safe System” approach to reduce road fatalities and injuries.

This he said also  enhances regional connectivity and economic integration to support the African Continental Free Trade Area.

As it will also build sustainable urban mobility and accessibility with a focus on low-carbon modes to manage increasingly congested urban areas.

Overall, SSATP works to create a safer, more integrated, and sustainable transport system in Africa, driving deep-rooted policy changes and capacity building programs that benefit the continent’s people““The permanent Secretariat however underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in continental road safety advocacy and positions FRSC as a beacon for road traffic management excellence in Africa.““Shehu Mohammed is therefore urging all stakeholders—including governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector—to collaborate with the Corps in achieving a safer, more sustainable road transport environment across Africa.““”You would recall that earlier in the year, the Corps won the award of the best road safety agency in Africa at the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award held in Ezulwini the Kingdom of Eswatini. These and many more milestones recorded on the continental level will not only attract direct foreign investment, but also project the nation as one of the best safety compliant country in the world.”““Collaborating with 43 African countries, 8 regional economic communities, and continental institutions.““The African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA) comprises over 20 African countries, with some of the notable member countries including the founding members like Kenya, which is the President of AARSLA; Benin, First Vice President; Nigeria, Host of the Permanent Secretariat (Federal Road Safety Corps); Cape Verde, Third Vice President; Zambia, Fourth Vice President““Other member countries are Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo; Egypt; Ethiopia; Ghana; Mali; Morocco; Mozambique; Namibia; South Africa; Tunisia; Uganda; Cote d’Ivoire.““In the meantime, the Corps Marshal said as for the rural Transport: this will promote good policies and practices for rural transport, including infrastructure development and transport services.“

“As regards Transport Policy Development; he advised countries on transport policy and strategy development, and coordinating initiatives between global and African institutions.““And in capacity building: he said providing training programmes and institutional frameworks to enhance capacity in transport planning and management.““For research and knowledge sharing: he said supporting transport-related research and knowledge creation, and sharing good practices and lessons learned through publications and conferences is necessary.“ “Partnering with development partners, public and private sector organizations to address policy issues hindering Africa’s transport sector.““The maiden General Assembly of the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA) however at the end of its inaugural meeting resolved to amongst others to halve Road Traffic Fatalities and Serious Injuries. Produce an action plan aimed at reducing road traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030, aligning with global targets.““To establish a Permanent Secretariat: Designate the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as the host of the Permanent Secretariat of AARSLA, emphasizing Nigeria’s leadership role in continental road safety advocacy.““To promote coordination and cooperation: Strengthen policies, enhance capacity building, and deploy innovative solutions for safer roads through collaboration among African nations.““And to Implement Data-Driven Road Safety Measures: Share experiences and good practices on motorcycle and pedestrian safety, data-driven road infrastructure, and vehicle safety management.““Road safety lead agencies are but organizations or bodies designated to oversee and coordinate road safety efforts within a country, state, or region. “

“These agencies play a crucial role in developing, implementing, and enforcing road safety policies, programmes, and initiatives to reduce road crashes, injuries, and fatalities.““Some common responsibilities of road safety lead agencies include Developing and implementing road safety strategies.““ Creating plans and policies to improve road safety, setting goals and targets, and allocating resources.““Coordinating stakeholder efforts: Working with government agencies, law enforcement, emergency services, private sector organizations, and community groups to promote road safety.““Enforcing road safety laws and regulations; Ensuring compliance with traffic laws, regulations, and standards.““Educating and raising awareness: Informing the public about road safety issues, promoting safe behaviors, and providing training and resources.““Conducting research and analysis; Collecting and analyzing data on road crashes, injuries, and fatalities to identify trends, causes, and effective countermeasures.““Assessing the impact of road safety initiatives and making data-driven decisions to improve them.““Kudos to Shehu Mohammed for enabling FRSC getting the nod for a permanent Secretariat of AARSLA to Nigeria.“