By Ibironke Ariyo
The Road Safety Stakeholders and Humanitarian Forum has emphasised the critical role of the judiciary in enforcing traffic laws and sustaining reforms to reduce road traffic crashes in Nigeria.
The Forum made this known during a courtesy visit to the President, Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Forum, Dr Yusuf John-Suberu said that the visit was as part of activities to mark the United Nations Global Road Safety Week, slated for Monday, May 12 to Sunday, May 18.
John-Suberu, who doubled as the representative of NGOs and CSOs in the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety and Injury Prevention in Nigeria, said the judiciary was a central pillar in the fight against road traffic violations and impunity.
He lauded Justice Dongban-Mensem’s long-standing commitment to road safety and her advocacy for the prosecution of traffic offenders, which had contributed to increased public accountability.
“Without effective legal enforcement, road safety campaigns lose their impact. The judiciary ensures that traffic laws are upheld, and justice is served for victims.
“We are committed to collaborative efforts that promote safety, create awareness, reduce accidents and save lives on our roads,” he said.
John-Suberu said that globally, over 1.35 million people die annually due to road traffic crashes, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt (WHO Report, 2018).
He said that in Nigeria, road traffic crashes resulted in significant economic losses, estimated at over N100 billion annually adding that obvious improvements have been made.
This, he said, included increased collaboration between government agencies, NGOs and CSOs to promote road safety awareness and enforcement.
This, he added also were strengthening of traffic laws, rules and regulations, Improvement has been made on data collection and analysis for policy implementation and enhanced emergency response systems.
“These efforts have contributed to a reduction in road traffic fatalities and injuries in Nigeria.
“As we commemorate the UN Global Road Safety Week, we recognise the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in addressing road safety challenges.
“Our goal is to build on the progress made and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities),” he said.
John-Suberu called for greater collaboration between legal institutions, law enforcement agencies, and Civil Society to ensure timely adjudication of road traffic cases and broader policy impact.
He, however, urged the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to increase funding for road safety reforms and enforcement.
He also encouraged donor agencies to provide technical assistance to strengthen legal frameworks and institutional capacity.
Responding, Justice Dongban-Mensem commended the Forum for recognising the importance of collaboration in road safety challenges.
She, however, called on NGOs and CSOs across Nigeria to unite in purpose and work collaboratively for national development.
She emphasised that non profit organisations should not be seen as platforms for financial gain, but as institutions of service and sacrifice for the good of society.
“If you are running an NGO, it is not a money-making venture. It is a place of sacrifice. It is only when we look at it from that point of view that we can truly succeed.
“NGOs are meant to be a cover for people who cannot go to the government. When members come from various walks of life, their positions can be used to advocate and draw the attention of those in authority to the issues that matter,” she added.
Dongban-Mensem, however, urged the Forum to serve as voices for the voiceless, especially those unable to directly access government or public institutions.
The appeal court President encouraged unity among them stressing that collaboration rather than competition would strengthen their impact across the country.
Highlight of the event was presentation of the “Road Safety Hero 2025” award to Justice Dongban-Mensem in recognition of her leadership, legal advocacy, and support for systemic reforms in road safety enforcement.
