Rivers State recorded a significant decline in road crash fatalities and injuries between January and September 2025, even as Governor Siminalayi Fubara urged motorists to take collective responsibility for safety on the roads.
According to the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, 15 persons were killed and 51 injured from 47 recorded crashes in the state within the period — representing a 35.7% decrease in fatalities and 37.5% drop in injuries compared to 2024 figures.
He noted that despite the improvement in Rivers State, national statistics showed a total of 7,715 road crashes recorded across the country — a 10.04% increase from 2024 — with 3,915 deaths representing an 11.55% rise.
Mohammed spoke on Thursday in Port Harcourt during a town hall meeting to flag off the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign, themed “Take Responsibility For Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.” He said the choice of Rivers State as host was deliberate, describing it as one of Nigeria’s busiest transportation hubs.
Declaring the campaign open, Governor Fubara said the responsibility of keeping roads safe lies with every citizen, stressing that safety should not be limited to the Ember Months.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the governor said: “The task of keeping our roads — land and sea — safe should be taken very seriously every day of the year. Our citizens are our greatest asset and must be protected.”
He expressed concern that a season traditionally known for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ has become associated with avoidable tragedies, calling for renewed vigilance among motorists.
Fubara urged boat operators, transport unions and community leaders to intensify awareness on maritime safety, particularly the dangers of over-speeding, overloading, drunk-driving and failure to use life jackets in riverine communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure and enhancing security on waterways, while pledging sustained collaboration with FRSC and stakeholders to reduce road carnage.
