In a decisive move to improve road safety and reduce fatal crashes, the Federal Government has introduced newly installed low-speed limit signs on major roads across Abuja. The initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and implemented by Ochenuell Mobility, marks a significant leap in urban traffic reform.
The project features the deployment of 20km/h and 30km/h speed limit signs along eight high-traffic corridors in the capital city. During the launch event held at Abidjan Street in Wuse Zone 3, Permanent Secretary Musa Ibrahim hailed the measure as a life-saving development aimed at promoting safer driving habits within city environments.
Engineer Emmanuel John, head of Ochenuell Mobility, highlighted the effort as a follow-up to Nigeria’s 2022 endorsement of a 30km/h default speed in urban areas—part of the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week agenda. “Despite the policy, we’ve seen little real-world action until now,” John stated, adding that many school zones in Abuja lacked visible speed signage, leaving both drivers and enforcement agencies uncertain of speed regulations.
John also cited alarming statistics linking speed to over half of all road traffic accidents nationwide, with Abuja recording the highest number. Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists account for 40% of these fatalities, mostly due to speeding.
“This initiative is not just about putting up signs,” John stressed. “It reflects a broader vision to safeguard human lives, minimize carbon emissions, reduce noise pollution, and reclaim urban spaces for safe walking and cycling.”
With this rollout, the government is urging a national shift toward strict speed regulation and enforcement, setting a model for other cities to follow in creating safer, more livable streets.
