The federal government Tuesday officially unveiled the Executive Secretariat of African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA) and the West African Road Safety Organisation (WARSO).
The government, through Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) noted that the unveiling was a bold affirmation of Africa’s collective resolve to safeguard lives, strengthen systems and advance sustainable mobility across the continent.
In his address, the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, said the milestone aligned strongly with Nigeria’s foreign policy direction under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu which emphasizes regional cooperation, strategic partnerships and Africa’s leadership in global affairs.
He added that it also reflectsed the core objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda which include promoting safety, strengthening institutions and improving the quality of life of yhe citizens.
Mohammed stressed that the event represented the fulfilment of a commitment he made in June last year in Lusaka, Zambia, during the first General Assembly of AARSLA, when Nigeria emerged as the host nation of the Executive Secretariat.
According to him, I pledged then that the Federal Road Safety Corps would provide a befitting Secretariat. Today, we are proud to deliver on that promise.
Mohammed stressed that Nigeria, through the FRSC, has served as the Secretariat of WARSO for the fifteen Member States in West Africa since its establishment in 2008.
He noted: “With this inauguration, both WARSO and AARSLA are now co-located in a fully furnished Secretariat, symbolizing unity of purpose and efficiency in continental coordination.
“The establishment of this Secretariat is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to continental leadership and regional integration, which are key pillars of our foreign policy.
“It reinforces our role as a hub for capacity building, knowledge exchange and technical cooperation in road safety management across Africa.
“Since the creation of WARSO eighteen years ago, Nigeria has consistently supported sister nations in developing and strengthening their road safety institutions.
” Our Lead Agency model has been replicated in several countries, contributing to improved safety outcomes and institutional resilience. These achievements underscore Nigeria’s readiness to lead through service, collaboration, and shared expertise.
“AARSLA, with its presence across all fifty-four countries in Africa, represents a strategic platform for advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond our borders.”