By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice
As the holiday season ushers in a surge in road travel across Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), under the decisive leadership of Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, is rewriting the narrative of safety on our roads. With Operation Zero Tolerance, a meticulously planned and ambitious initiative, the FRSC aims to achieve an unprecedented milestone: zero fatalities, reduced traffic congestion, and seamless road travel for all Nigerians during the high-stakes end-of-year period.
This bold operation, which began on December 15, 2024, and runs through January 15, 2025, stands out for its sheer scale and comprehensiveness. With the deployment of the entire FRSC workforce, supplemented by Special Marshals, and a fleet of over 1,100 operational vehicles, the Corps is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the safety and comfort of road users. This level of mobilization isn’t just impressive—it’s transformative.
The operation covers all critical corridors nationwide, from the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi axis to the ever-busy Lagos-Sagamu-Ibadan route. These routes, notorious for their high traffic volumes and accident rates, will see intensified surveillance, 24/7 patrols, and swift emergency responses. The activation of 16 traffic control camps, 23 Help Areas, and 59 Emergency Ambulance (Zebra) Points, alongside fully mobilized Roadside Clinics, showcases an infrastructure designed to prevent, respond to, and mitigate road crises.
Equally commendable is the FRSC’s emphasis on cutting-edge technology. Deploying radar guns to curb speeding and leveraging real-time reporting via the FRSC Mobile App and National Traffic Radio (107.1 FM) underscores a forward-thinking approach to enforcement and communication. By integrating digital tools with ground operations, the Corps is ensuring a rapid and efficient response to emergencies and violations.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed’s strategy goes beyond mere enforcement; it tackles the root causes of road accidents. Overloading, excessive speed, vehicle deficiencies, and driver impatience have long been the bane of Nigerian highways, especially during the festive season. By focusing on these issues through targeted public enlightenment campaigns, robust enforcement measures, and the establishment of Mobile Courts, the FRSC is sending a clear message: reckless behavior on the roads will not be tolerated.
The inclusion of partners such as the Nigeria Police Force, Military Units, NSCDC, FERMA, and NGO ambulance services signifies a unified front in the fight against road traffic crashes. This inter-agency collaboration ensures a seamless flow of information, resources, and manpower, guaranteeing a safer travel experience for millions of Nigerians.
Operation Zero Tolerance is not just about the FRSC; it’s a call to action for every road user. The Corps has made it easy for the public to report traffic incidents and seek assistance through its toll-free emergency number (122) and social media platforms. This participatory approach underscores the Corps Marshal’s belief in collective responsibility for safer roads.
Shehu Mohammed’s Zero Tolerance December isn’t just a campaign—it’s a vision for the future of road safety in Nigeria. It exemplifies what can be achieved when leadership, innovation, and community engagement converge. As we navigate the bustling highways this festive season, let us embrace this initiative not only as a roadmap for safer travels but also as a testament to the power of proactive governance.
In Shehu Mohammed’s words, “The safety of Nigerians is non-negotiable.” This December, let’s make every journey a testament to that promise.