By Saminu Ibrahim
(SINL NIGERIA) Nigeria has strengthened its leadership role in Africa’s road safety architecture with the inauguration of the Executive Secretariat of the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA) and the West African Road Safety Organisation (WARSO) in Abuja.
The landmark facility, located at the National Headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, drawing high-level participation from across the continent, including diplomats, representatives of the African Union, and international development partners.
A statement by Osondu Ohaeri, Deputy Corps Commander, Corps Public Education Officer said
the event marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s growing influence in regional integration, transport safety governance, and institutional diplomacy.
The Secretariat was commissioned on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, by the Commissioner representing Plateau State, Hon. Pam Bot-Mang.
She described the development as a major step toward enhancing road safety, strengthening institutions, and promoting harmonised transport systems across Africa.
In a keynote address delivered on her behalf, Omidiran emphasised that road safety remains a shared challenge across the continent, requiring coordinated strategies, innovation, and sustained partnerships.
She commended the FRSC for securing Nigeria’s hosting rights, noting that it reflects the country’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and safety.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, said the inauguration represents more than the opening of an office, describing it as a demonstration of Africa’s collective commitment to protecting lives and improving road safety systems.
He noted that the Secretariat aligns with the foreign policy thrust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in promoting regional cooperation, institutional development, and improved quality of life.
According to him, the Secretariat will serve as a strategic platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, advocacy, and capacity building among African road safety agencies.
The event attracted key continental stakeholders, including AARSLA President Nashow Kondiwa, representatives of the World Bank-supported SSATP programme, and delegates from Liberia, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone.
The newly established Secretariat is expected to function as a continental hub for research, policy coordination, training, data management, and innovation, while supporting the realisation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and global road safety targets.
