The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in collaboration with Kwapda’as Road Safety Demand (KRSD), has organized a two-day International Road Crash Victims Africa Conference in Abuja, Nigeria.
The conference, themed “Gathering the World in Africa for Road Crash Victims,” brought together global and continental stakeholders to deliberate on road safety, emergency response, and victim support.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the opening ceremony by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chief Judge of the Federation, the federal High cout of the federal court of Apeal Haj Binta murtala enyako and senator Adam oshimole.Chairman of the EFCC, and heads of road safety agencies from 17 African countries, some of whom presented technical papers related to the theme of the conference.
The Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D., CON, was represented by the Director General of the Katsina State Safety and Road Traffic Authority (KASSAROTA), Major Garba Yahaya Rimi (Rtd) who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Authority, Aminu Lawal Batsari; commandant of the Authority Dahiru Mani Bagiwa Director of Finance, Lawal Mamman Daura; and the Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Marwana Kofar Sauri.
Delivering the Governor’s address, Major Rimi said the conference provides a credible platform for dialogue, remembrance, and collective action toward road safety in Africa. He reaffirmed Katsina State's commitment to policies that protect lives and strengthen emergency response systems.
He highlighted the transformation of KASSAROTA under Governor Radda’s leadership, including the recruitment of 304 new staff—bringing the total workforce to 400—and the deployment of officers across 13 zonal and area commands. He noted that extensive public enlightenment campaigns, enforcement against vehicle overloading, and community partnerships have contributed to significant improvements in driving culture and road safety compliance.
The DG also announced the proposed KASSAROTA Community Safety Volunteers Scheme, which will train over 3,600 volunteers (10 from each of Katsina’s 361 wards) in first aid, emergency coordination, and basic life support—an initiative aimed at reducing deaths from delayed emergency response.
He further highlighted the introduction of the Katsina State Vehicle Identification and Database Management System (KASVID+), a digital platform integrating FRSC, KASSAROTA, and security agencies to enhance tracking, enforcement, and data-driven decision-making.
According to him, Katsina State recorded a 39% reduction in road crashes in 2025, at a time when Nigeria recorded a 10.04% national increase. He attributed this achievement to improved road infrastructure—over 285 km of new and rehabilitated roads—and the revitalization of the Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA), now one of the most efficient state transport systems in the country.
Major Rimi also emphasized the state government’s guarantee of emergency medical care for accident victims—especially civil servants and their families—through the Katsina State Contributory Health Care Scheme (KATCHIMA), ensuring treatment without upfront payment.
He concluded by reaffirming Katsina State’s readiness to collaborate with other African partners to strengthen institutions, improve road safety, and build a more humane and secure transportation future.
This is contained in a press statement issued to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the authority, Abubakar Marwana Kofar Sauri.
