NOA, JCI Abuja Unity launch special project to promote road safety

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in partnership with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Abuja Unity, has intensified efforts to promote road safety awareness and responsible behaviour among Nigerians through the “Road Safety and You” project.

The initiative, held at the NOA Conference Hall in Abuja, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, road safety and traffic management institutions, the insurance sector, youth groups and community organisations.

The project aligns with the NOA’s mandate of promoting citizen education, value reorientation and behavioural change, with emphasis on discipline, respect for human life and compliance with traffic regulations.

Speaking at the programme, the Director of Community Safety Awareness and Compliance at NOA, Barr. Tessy Nnalue, stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment to address unsafe road practices and reduce avoidable crashes.

Nnalue urged Nigerians to adopt responsible road-use habits, noting that greater awareness and behavioural change were essential to protecting lives and promoting safer roads.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Vehicle Inspection Office and Nigeria Police Force provided participants with practical guidance on insurance, vehicle roadworthiness, safe driving and accident prevention.

Participants were also advised to maintain their vehicles regularly, ensure that brakes and lights were functional, use safe tyres and keep valid documents, while avoiding speeding, distracted driving, dangerous overtaking and driving under the influence.

In addition, the programme featured a drama presentation, an interactive panel discussion and a question-and-answer session, through which participants sought clarification on traffic enforcement, insurance compliance, accident response and the responsibilities of motorists and pedestrians.

The organisers encouraged participants to become road safety ambassadors by promoting patience, vigilance, mutual respect and responsible behaviour among motorists, pedestrians and other road users.

They also urged participants to take the road safety message to their respective communities, stressing that collective responsibility and sustained public education were necessary to build safer roads and prevent avoidable loss of lives.