By Onu Okorie

The Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC has inaugurated the Nigeria Road Assessment Programme NigeriaRAP Steering Committee as part of efforts to strengthen road infrastructure safety and reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities across the country.

Speaking during the inaugural meeting held at the Corps Marshal’s Conference Hall at the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, described the event as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to build safer roads and achieve global road safety targets.

According to him, road traffic crashes continue to pose a major public health and development challenge worldwide, making proactive road infrastructure assessment a critical strategy for protecting road users and saving lives.

Mohammed explained that the Nigeria Road Assessment Programme was established by the FRSC in partnership with the International Road Assessment Programme to systematically assess the safety of road infrastructure, identify high-risk road sections, and improve protection for vulnerable road users.

He noted that the programme is built on three strategic pillars: strengthening local partnerships, fostering international collaborations, and promoting the attainment of Three-Star Road Safety Ratings and above on Nigerian roads.

The Corps Marshal recalled that Nigeria’s journey toward institutionalising the programme began with the inauguration of a stakeholders committee in February 2021. He added that the initiative gained further momentum with the signing of the National Licence Agreement between FRSC and iRAP on November 18, 2025, which formally launched NigeriaRAP in the country.

He stated that the newly inaugurated Steering Committee would provide strategic direction, coordination, and leadership to ensure the successful implementation of the programme nationwide.

Membership of the committee comprises representatives from key public and private sector organisations, including the KRSD Foundation, Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Automobile and Touring Club of Nigeria, and the Green Light Initiative, among other strategic partners committed to advancing road safety and sustainable transportation in Nigeria.

While appreciating members of the committee for their commitment to the initiative, the Corps Marshal urged them to remain proactive in discharging their responsibilities and work collectively towards achieving the objectives of NigeriaRAP.

He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration, strategic investments in safer road infrastructure, and coordinated stakeholder engagement would significantly reduce road traffic fatalities and create a safer road transport environment for all Nigerians.