Road Deaths Increased Despite Fewer Crashes in 2024, Raising Questions About Driver Behaviour Says Otrac Co-founder Adekunle Olanrewaju Emmanuel

 By Zikka Femi | Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria recorded 5,421 road traffic deaths in 2024, an increase from 5,081 fatalities in 2023, even as the total number of reported road crashes declined during the same period, according to data released by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The FRSC recorded 9,570 crashes in 2024, down from 10,617 the previous year, while more than 31,000 people sustained injuries. The figures suggest that although fewer crashes occurred, the incidents were, on average, more severe.

Road safety data continues to identify speeding as the leading cause of crashes across the country. According to official statistics, speed violations have consistently ranked among the primary contributors to road traffic accidents in recent years, alongside dangerous driving, tyre bursts, mechanical failures, fatigue and overloading.

The trend has renewed conversations around how commercial fleet operators monitor driver behaviour, particularly as logistics, transportation and delivery services continue to expand across Nigeria.

"Technology gives fleet operators visibility into driving behaviour, but it is ultimately management decisions that improve safety," said Adekunle Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Otrac Telematics.

"Speed remains one of the most measurable risk factors. When operators have reliable information about how vehicles are being driven, they can identify unsafe patterns early, engage drivers through training and take corrective action before incidents occur."

Industry analysts say telematics has increasingly become part of broader fleet safety strategies, allowing businesses to monitor vehicle usage, review driving patterns, manage fuel consumption and strengthen operational oversight. The technology is now being adopted not only by large logistics companies but also by businesses managing smaller commercial fleets.

Emmanuel noted that technology alone cannot reduce accidents without organisational commitment.

"A dashboard is only useful if someone acts on the information it provides," he said. "The greatest improvements happen when monitoring is combined with driver education, clear operational policies and consistent enforcement of safety standards."

Founded in 2017, Otrac Telematics provides GPS vehicle tracking, fleet telematics, driver verification, fuel monitoring and vehicle compliance services across 18 cities in Nigeria. The company says organisations are increasingly seeking integrated fleet management solutions as road safety and operational efficiency become higher priorities.

With Nigeria continuing to record one of Africa's highest road traffic fatality rates, transportation experts believe reducing deaths will require a combination of stronger enforcement, safer driving practices, improved vehicle maintenance and wider adoption of technologies that support responsible fleet management.