Foundation seeks accountability from govt, citizens

The Akin Fadeyi Foundation has called for accountability from both the government and private citizens to tackle the menace of road mishaps and its human and economic consequences on families and the nation as a whole.

Its Executive Director, Akin Fadeyi who made the call during a webinar under the foundation’s “Not in My Country” project, convened policymakers, security officials, academics and advocacy groups, to unveil a new behavioural change campaign focused on road safety, said the high rate of road crashes in the country reflects not only infrastructure deficits but also widespread civic irresponsibility.

He questioned why road accidents remain commonplace despite decades of public awareness and government interventions.

Mr Fadeyi cited figures indicating over 10,000 crashes, nearly 39,000 casualties and more than 5,000 deaths within a reporting period, describing them as “unfinished stories and extinguished potentials.”

“These are not accidents in many cases. They are behavioural infractions, speeding, drunk driving, overloading, illegal parking, masquerading as fate,” he said.

He linked the problem to broader governance and corruption concerns, noting that Nigeria has earned hundreds of billions of dollars from oil since independence, yet continues to struggle with infrastructure deficits, including deteriorating roads.

He said while the government must be held accountable, citizens also have a responsibility to act responsibly.

He asked: “Why do we keep holding the government accountable without reminding ourselves that we have a role to play in our own safety?”

The foundation’s campaign includes a one-minute audio message aimed at discouraging drunk driving and other risky behaviours. It plans to distribute the material across social media and is seeking broadcast support to widen its reach.

Mr Fadeyi also disclosed that the organisation has previously worked with international partners, including the MacArthur Foundation, the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, on governance and behavioural change initiatives.

Also speaking on the occasion, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Nigerians frequently emphasise their rights while ignoring their responsibilities.

 “We live in a country where people are quick to talk about their rights and privileges, but nobody thinks about responsibility,” he said.

 Mr Omotoso referenced recent incidents involving traffic enforcement officers attacked while on duty, including cases where officials were reportedly injured or killed while attempting to enforce traffic rules.

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 He defended state policies such as restrictions on motorcycle operations and measures to curb alcohol consumption in motor parks, saying such steps often attract criticism despite being introduced to protect lives.

 “When the government acts, people complain. But safety must be a shared responsibility,” he said.

 Beyond road safety, the foundation linked the campaign to its wider governance and accountability work, including citizen engagement with law enforcement and interventions in cases involving cyberbullying, domestic violence and official misconduct.

 Mr Fadeyi said behavioural reform is central to national development and urged collective vigilance to reduce preventable deaths on Nigerian roads.

 During the interactive session, participants challenged the foundation to clarify how the campaign would achieve measurable impact, noting that similar corporate road safety campaigns have often failed to translate into behavioural change.

 One participant questioned whether previous awareness drives by alcohol manufacturers had reduced crashes, arguing that press conferences and publicity events rarely lead to sustained behavioural reform.

 In response, Mr Fadeyi said the foundation intends to mainstream advocacy at the community level and work with institutions rather than “run government down.”

 He emphasised collaboration with law enforcement and encouraged citizens to take ownership of safety practices.

 He also raised the need for stronger data systems, including better documentation of crash details such as time, location and evidence collection.

 He suggested that technology could be deployed to allow citizens to report traffic infractions and enable security agencies to verify vehicle and driver information more efficiently.

 Also speaking on the occasion, a scholar and member of academic associations focused on African, Diaspora and International Studies, Kunle Ojeleye said Nigeria’s road safety challenges reflect deeper systemic gaps in accountability and enforcement.

 He criticised the weak enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness certification and the issuance of driver’s licences without rigorous testing.

 “People sit at home, and licences are brought to them,” he said, arguing that proper training and testing, including eyesight checks and periodic renewals, are standard in many countries but often bypassed in Nigeria.

 He stressed that safety systems succeed where individuals, including public officials, take personal responsibility for their roles.

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