As Nigerians celebrate the 2026 Democracy Day, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has called on all road users to make safety a personal responsibility and ensure that the festivities are not overshadowed by avoidable road crashes.
In a goodwill message to mark the national holiday, the Corps Marshal noted that Democracy Day, like other major public celebrations, often records increased movement of people and vehicles across the country as citizens travel to spend time with family members, friends and loved ones.
He warned that the surge in traffic usually comes with heightened risks arising from speeding, dangerous driving, disregard for traffic regulations and other unsafe road behaviours.
According to him, while Nigerians have every reason to celebrate the nation’s democratic journey, such celebrations must be undertaken with a strong sense of responsibility, caution and respect for the lives of other road users.
“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,” Mohammed stated.
The FRSC boss urged motorists to comply with all traffic rules and regulations, avoid excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, driving against traffic, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He also appealed to passengers to take an active role in promoting road safety by speaking out whenever drivers engage in unsafe practices capable of endangering lives.
The Corps Marshal stressed that road safety remains a collective responsibility, noting that roads are shared spaces where the actions of one user can significantly impact the safety and wellbeing of others.
“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 said.
While congratulating Nigerians on the country’s democratic progress, Mohammed reassured the public of the Federal Road Safety Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads through enhanced patrol operations, effective traffic management and prompt emergency response services throughout the holiday period and beyond.
A statement issued by the Deputy Corps Commander and Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, said the Corps Marshal wished Nigerians a peaceful, memorable and crash-free Democracy Day celebration.
He emphasized that the greatest achievement of any celebration is returning home safely, urging all road users to play their part in making the nation’s highways safer during the holiday season.
