THE news from Keffi Road last week was heartbreaking. Five people lost their lives in a crash that has once again forced Nigerians to confront a painful reality: our roads are no longer just dangerous because of reckless drivers or bad infrastructure. Increasingly, questions are being asked about the role of the very agency created to protect us.
The Federal Road Safety Corps was established to promote safety, enforce traffic laws, and reduce road crashes across the country. Its officers are expected to act with discipline, professionalism, and restraint. But over time, troubling patterns have emerged that suggest that, in some cases, the actions and operational style of the corps have contributed to the chaos they were meant to prevent.
On highways across Nigeria, motorists frequently complain about sudden checkpoints positioned at dangerous bends, just after bridges, or on high-speed stretches of road with little warning. These abrupt stops often force drivers to brake sharply. When heavy-duty trucks, fuel tankers, or commercial buses are moving at speed behind them, the result can be catastrophic. Instead of preventing accidents, poorly planned enforcement points sometimes create the perfect conditions for collisions.
There have also been repeated reports of high-speed chases. In an attempt to apprehend traffic offenders, some officers engage in pursuits that escalate risk rather than contain it. A minor traffic violation should never spiral into a deadly chase that endangers passengers, pedestrians, and other innocent road users. When enforcement turns into pursuit without proper risk assessment, lives are put at stake.
Another issue is inconsistent training and supervision, especially among auxiliary personnel and Road Marshals Assistants. While many officers carry out their duties with integrity, there have been situations where lapses in judgment, impatience, or lack of proper coordination have triggered avoidable crashes. Road safety enforcement requires calm, clear communication and strategic positioning. Any deviation from this can have fatal consequences.
Motorists also point to aggressive enforcement tactics that prioritize fines and arrests over safety. When the focus shifts from prevention to punishment, officers may overlook safer alternatives such as warnings, proper signage, or structured traffic control. Enforcement should never feel like a trap. It should feel like protection.
The tragedy on Keffi Road last week is not occurring in isolation. Across different states, similar incidents have sparked public outrage. Families continue to mourn loved ones lost in crashes that many believe could have been avoided with better planning and more responsible road management. Each accident chips away at public trust and raises the same uncomfortable question: are we safer because of enforcement practices, or in spite of them?
This is not a blanket condemnation of every officer in uniform. Many within the Federal Road Safety Corps risk their lives daily to rescue crash victims and manage traffic under extremely difficult conditions. However, acknowledging their sacrifices does not mean ignoring systemic flaws. If even a fraction of enforcement strategies are contributing to accidents, then reform is not optional. It is urgent.
There must be a comprehensive review of checkpoint placement policies. Clear guidelines should prohibit setting up enforcement points in high-risk zones. High-speed pursuits should be strictly regulated, with safety protocols that prioritize de-escalation over confrontation. Continuous training and psychological evaluation for field officers should be strengthened to ensure professionalism under pressure.
Internal accountability mechanisms also need to be more transparent. When accidents occur in circumstances linked to enforcement activities, investigations should be thorough and findings made public. Accountability builds trust, and trust is essential for effective road safety management.
Nigeria’s road crisis cannot be solved by enforcement alone. Better infrastructure, clearer road markings, improved driver education, and coordinated traffic management are equally important. But if the agency at the forefront of road safety is perceived as contributing to danger, then the entire system becomes compromised.
Road safety is not about authority; it is about responsibility. It is not about checkpoints and sirens; it is about foresight and care.
If the Federal Road Safety Corps is to truly fulfill its mandate, it must return to its core mission: safeguarding lives above all else. Nigerians deserve roads where enforcement prevents tragedy, not one where it unintentionally fuels.
- West is a seasoned journalist and development practitioner with over a decade of experience in media, human rights advocacy, and NGO leadership. Her syndicated column, The Wednesday Lens, is published every Wednesday in News Point Nigeria newspaper. She can be reached at bomawest111@gmail.com.