The Nigerian Red Cross Society has revealed that Nigeria accounts for 10% of global road traffic fatalities, making it one of the countries with the highest road accident rates worldwide. According to the organization, of the two million annual global road deaths, approximately 200,000 occur in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of the Safe Steps Road Safety Campaign, Nigerian Red Cross Society President Oluyemisi Adeaga cited the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2023 Global Status Report, which ranks road traffic injuries as the ninth leading cause of death globally. Adeaga emphasized that official statistics likely underestimate the true scale of the problem, suggesting that actual accident rates may be five times higher than reported figures.

"This campaign comes at a crucial moment," Adeaga stated. "We are working with government agencies, law enforcement, transport unions, and private sector partners to implement comprehensive road safety measures." The initiative, which began in Abuja last December, brings together key stakeholders including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

Zenith Prudence Foundation representative Afolabi Lawal highlighted that Africa experiences the world's highest annual road fatality rate despite having relatively few vehicles. Despite interventions from WHO, the Ministry of Transport, and FRSC, road accidents continue to claim 1.35 million lives globally each year.

The Safe Steps Road Safety Campaign aims to reduce traffic accidents across Nigeria and promote safer driving practices among its citizens.