As the festive season approaches, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Nigeria is receiving critical funding support from the Ford Foundation’s Office of West Africa (OWA) to enhance emergency response preparedness efforts.
The foundation’s funding support will help the FRSC build the capacity of its paramedics and operational officials to provide prompt and efficient accident rescue operations, preparedness, and responsiveness to the high accident rate on Nigerian roads.
During first quarter of 2023, 4,387 lives were lost, and 14,108 individuals were injured in road traffic accidents in Nigeria.
These numbers are a cause for concern, especially as many Nigerians are expected to travel during the upcoming festive season.
Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu, the Regional Director for the Ford Foundation’s Office of West Africa, expressed her hope that the training would equip FRSC officers with the necessary skills to effectively carry out their duties, especially during the festive season.
She noted that with timely first aid and skilled first responders, more lives could be saved during accidents.
Dr. Aniagolu also emphasized that the safe movement of goods, services, and human mobility is essential to the country’s development, making the safety of roads an important public issue that concerns everyone.
In attendance was the Director, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Simon T. Tyungu, who commended the Ford Foundation for its support and the FRSC for its commitment to enhancing the capacity of its staff.
In addition to the training in Abuja, training will also take place in Kano, Ibadan and Enugu for FRSC staff in those locations.
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