FRSC Hosts African Delegates as Nigeria Takes Lead in Continental Road Safety Drive

Nigeria has strengthened its position as a leading force in Africa’s road safety governance following the inauguration of the Executive Secretariat of the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA) and the West African Road Safety Organisation (WARSO) at the headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abuja.

The landmark event, hosted by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, drew diplomats, development partners, African Union representatives, and delegates from across the continent, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in regional transport safety coordination and institutional diplomacy.

The Secretariat was commissioned on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, by the Honourable Commissioner representing Plateau State, Hon. Pam Bot-Mang. She described the development as a significant continental step toward safer roads, stronger institutions, and harmonised transport governance across Africa.

In her keynote address, Omidiran said road safety remains a shared African challenge that demands coordinated action, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions. She commended the FRSC for securing Nigeria’s emergence as host nation of the Secretariat, describing it as a reflection of the country’s leadership in sustainable mobility and road safety administration on the continent.

The inauguration brought together major stakeholders in African road safety, including AARSLA President Nashow Kondiwa; SSATP/World Bank representative Ms. Marisela Ponche de Leon Valdes; Liberia’s Honourable Zunu Duntann; Mr. Ariel Sacramento of Benin Republic; Mr. Tou Siaka of Côte d’Ivoire; and Mr. Sheriff Abou of Sierra Leone, alongside several foreign delegates and technical partners committed to reducing road traffic fatalities across Africa.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Corps Marshal described the inauguration as more than the opening of a physical structure.

“It is a bold affirmation of Africa’s collective resolve to safeguard lives, strengthen institutions, and advance sustainable mobility across the continent,” he said.

Shehu Mohammed noted that the establishment of the Secretariat aligns with the foreign policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises regional cooperation, institutional strengthening, safety, and improved quality of life for citizens.

According to him, the Secretariat will serve as a strategic platform for policy exchange, advocacy, technical cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing among African nations.

The newly inaugurated Secretariat is expected to function as a continental hub for research, policy harmonisation, innovation, training, data management, and strategic collaboration among road safety agencies, while advancing the objectives of the African Union Agenda 2063 and global road safety targets.