In a significant move that underscores its commitment to road safety and the welfare of accident victims, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has pledged its support for the proposed establishment of a Road Crash Victims Support Fund. This initiative, championed by the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), aims to provide much-needed assistance to road users in Nigeria who sustain permanent injuries, particularly spinal cord injuries (SCIs), as a result of road crashes.
The pledge was made on Tuesday by the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Patrick Dung Davou, during a visit by a delegation from the Lagos State Chapter of SCIAN. The delegation was on a spinal cord protection awareness campaign, and their visit to the FRSC’s Ojodu office in Ikeja marked a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of road crashes in Nigeria.
FRSC’s Commitment to Road Safety
Corps Commander Davou, known for his dedication to road safety, reiterated the FRSC’s unwavering concern for the safety of road users across the country. He assured the SCIAN delegation that the Corps would continue to intensify its efforts through various means, including training, public enlightenment campaigns, and proactive measures aimed at minimizing the collateral damage often associated with road crashes.
“The safety of every road user is paramount to the FRSC,” Davou stated. “We are committed to ensuring that the number of road crashes is drastically reduced, and in the unfortunate event of an accident, that the response is swift, efficient, and life-saving.”
Davou’s words were not just rhetoric; they were grounded in personal experience. Sharing his harrowing experience as a passenger in a commercial vehicle involved in a road crash, the Commander revealed that he had spent five long months recovering at the Gwagwalada Specialists Hospital following severe injuries he sustained while traveling from Ogbomoso to Jos in 2004. During his recovery, he gained a profound appreciation for the critical role that the FRSC plays in rescuing and rehabilitating accident victims.
“Those who have survived road crashes understand the value of the FRSC’s work,” Davou said, reflecting on his own ordeal. “Unfortunately, others who have not been directly impacted sometimes view our presence on the roads as a mere disturbance. Our mission is not just enforcement, but protection—protection of lives.”
SCIAN’s Advocacy for Road Crash Victims
Earlier, in his address, the Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of SCIAN and interim National President of the Association, Mr. Abdulwahab Matepo, commended the FRSC for its consistent and impactful road safety initiatives. He highlighted the importance of the Corps’ integrity and the positive outcomes of its enforcement strategies, particularly the mandatory use of seat belts—a regulation that has significantly reduced the severity of injuries in road crashes.
Matepo expressed hope that road users would continue to cooperate with the FRSC by obeying traffic regulations, thus ensuring safer roads for everyone. He emphasized that the need for spinal cord injury awareness could not be overemphasized, particularly as the world marks International Spinal Cord Injuries Awareness Day on September 5. Notably, the entire month of September has been designated as an awareness month to engage with stakeholders on preventing spinal injuries and addressing the challenges faced by those who suffer from these life-altering conditions.
“The majority of spinal cord injuries are caused by road crashes, making the FRSC a key stakeholder in our advocacy efforts,” Matepo noted. “We are calling for increased awareness and preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of these devastating injuries.”
Addressing the Challenges of Spinal Cord Injuries
Matepo also voiced SCIAN’s concerns regarding the rising incidence of violence in various forms, which has increasingly become a leading cause of spinal cord injuries. He lamented the exorbitant costs associated with managing SCIs, a burden that often leads to hospital abandonment and severe disruptions to the lives of victims and their families.
In light of these challenges, Matepo made a compelling case for the establishment of a Road Crash Victims Support Fund in Nigeria, similar to those in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, India, and several developed countries. Such a fund, he argued, would provide essential financial support to survivors of road crashes, particularly those with spinal cord injuries, ensuring that they receive the necessary care and rehabilitation.
“Road crash victims, especially those with SCIs, are often left to their fate,” Matepo lamented. “This frequently results in hospital abandonment and severe disruptions to family life. A Road Crash Victims Support Fund would offer a lifeline to these individuals and their families, providing them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
In addition to advocating for the fund, Matepo called for assistance in constructing a dedicated rehabilitation center for SCI survivors. Such a facility, he explained, would play a crucial role in restoring the overall well-being of survivors, helping them to regain their independence and reintegrate into society.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
During the visit, the FRSC’s Public Relations Officer, Route Commander Jayeola, encouraged SCIAN to join the agency’s school campaigns. These campaigns aim to instill road safety consciousness in students, who can, in turn, influence their parents’ behavior on the roads. The collaboration between the FRSC and SCIAN is seen as a vital step in fostering a culture of road safety in Nigeria, with the goal of reducing the incidence of road crashes and the severe injuries that often result from them.
As the meeting drew to a close, Corps Commander Davou expressed his commitment to further strengthening the relationship between the FRSC and SCIAN. He announced his intention to participate in SCIAN’s 40th-anniversary celebration later in the year, an event that promises to further cement the bond between the two organizations.
“The FRSC stands ready to support SCIAN in its noble mission,” Davou affirmed. “Together, we can make our roads safer and ensure that those who are injured receive the care and support they deserve.”
A Path Forward
The establishment of a Road Crash Victims Support Fund represents a significant step forward in addressing the long-term needs of road crash survivors in Nigeria. As SCIAN and the FRSC work together to raise awareness and advocate for the necessary resources, there is hope that the lives of those affected by road crashes, particularly those with spinal cord injuries, will be significantly improved.
This partnership between the FRSC and SCIAN serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in tackling the challenges of road safety and injury prevention. As Nigeria continues to develop and expand its road networks, the need for proactive measures to protect road users has never been greater. With continued commitment from all stakeholders, the vision of safer roads and better support for crash victims can become a reality.
