Ember Months: FRSC, African Gem mobilise motorists against overloading, mixed-loading

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its campaign against dangerous transportation practices, warning commercial drivers and transport operators that overloading and mixed-loading pose serious threats to human lives and Nigeria’s international image.

The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, mni, handed down the warning on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during the Corps’ 2026 Ember Months Mega Rally, organised in collaboration with African Gem, from AYA to Nyanya Central Motor Park in Abuja.

Omiko

The Corps Marshal who was represented by the Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Operations, Dr Godwin Omiko led the rally which was held under the theme, “Overloading and Mixed-Loading: A Dangerous Trend to Avoid.”

The Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri,  and other members of his team also participated in the exercise, which was designed to sensitise motorists, particularly commercial transport operators, to the dangers associated with excessive loading and the conveyance of passengers and goods together.

Speaking at the event, Omiko, described overloading and mixed-loading as dangerous practices that put passengers and other road users at risk.

He warned that such practices not only endanger lives but also undermine efforts to improve Nigeria’s road transportation standards and tarnish the country’s image internationally.

He stressed the need for drivers and transport operators to make safety their priority, rather than allowing the pursuit of additional financial gains to influence decisions that could lead to preventable road crashes.

The Corps Marshal urged motorists to comply with road safety regulations and adopt responsible loading practices, noting that the protection of human lives must remain paramount in every transportation activity.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of African Gem, Mr Afosus Ofor, called on drivers to place the value of their lives and those of their passengers above the financial benefits of carrying excess loads.

He urged transport operators to embrace responsible practices, stressing that no amount of additional income could justify exposing passengers and other road users to avoidable danger.

In his remarks, Ohaeri appreciated African Gem for partnering with the FRSC to promote road safety awareness.

He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to sustained public enlightenment, stakeholder engagement and collaborative interventions aimed at reducing road traffic crashes and improving safety across the country.

Building on Previous Ember Months Campaign

The 2026 rally builds on the FRSC’s sustained annual Ember Months road safety campaigns, through which the Corps steps up public enlightenment, enforcement and stakeholder engagement ahead of the end-of-year travel rush.

In 2025, the Corps launched its Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign under the theme, “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.” The campaign placed particular emphasis on the role of motorists’ behaviour in preventing road crashes, with the Corps identifying distracted driving, speeding, fatigue and overloading among the dangerous practices requiring urgent attention.

At the time, the Corps Marshal disclosed that 3,433 people had died while 22,162 others sustained injuries in 6,858 reported road crashes between January and September 2025. The figures underscored the continuing toll of road traffic crashes and the need for stronger preventive measures.

The 2025 campaign also featured nationwide deployment of personnel and Special Marshals, free vehicle checks, motor park rallies and town hall engagements with transport unions and other stakeholders. The Corps further highlighted the need for motorists to take personal responsibility for their safety, particularly during periods of increased travel.

Against this background, the 2026 campaign’s focus on overloading and mixed-loading represents a more targeted effort to address specific practices that can compromise vehicle stability, passenger safety and effective control on the road.

By taking the advocacy directly to Nyanya Central Motor Park, the FRSC and African Gem sought to reach transport operators and commuters in an environment where safer loading decisions can make a practical difference.

The Corps’ message remains that road safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers, vehicle owners, transport unions, passengers and other road users all have roles to play in preventing avoidable crashes.

The FRSC therefore urged motorists to reject dangerous loading practices, obey traffic regulations and recognise that the safe arrival of every passenger should take precedence over the pursuit of extra earnings.