The Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Bureau of Statistics reported 1,471 deaths in the first quarter of 2024, which the National Human Rights Commission revealed while lamenting the disproportionate number of fatalities on Nigerian roads.
In his presentation at the 8th edition of the Monthly Human Rights Dashboard in Abuja on Tuesday, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), stated that the government and FRSC must act quickly to address this crisis and guarantee the welfare and safety of all Nigerian drivers.
He expressed his worries over police officers employing excessive force and tear gas on demonstrators, using the #EndBadGovernance and #FearlessInOctober demonstrations as examples. He pointed out that such actions constitute a major breach of citizens’ fundamental human rights.
The September dashboard shows that the commission received 305,300 complaints in September alone.
According to Ojukwu, this figure shows a marked increase in human rights issues across the country. One of the main issues we are bringing to light today is the terrible death toll from traffic accidents, which seriously impairs many families’ ability to enjoy their human rights,” he stated.
The National Bureau of Statistics and the Federal Road Safety Corps estimate that 1,471 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the first quarter of 2024. The Commission is examining data from September, including 305,300 complaints received, to examine the human stories behind these numbers.
The Commission must approach its work with compassion and resolve, seeking solutions for every individual in Nigeria to enjoy their full spectrum of human rights, free from fear and oppression. Stakeholders, including the media, are encouraged to continue advocating for the rights of the vulnerable. The data from the dashboard reflects the Commission’s commitment to addressing human rights violations across Nigeria. The United Nations Development Programme and other international partners are also acknowledged for promoting accountability and transparency through the Commission’s dashboard.
