Vehicle overloading deadly threat to road safety, FRSC warns

Cityscope, Crime Diary

ABUJA, NIGERIA, 31 March 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a renewed warning that overloading of vehicles remains one of the most dangerous practices on the nation’s roads, significantly increasing the risk of traffic crashes and fatalities.

The agency, in a statement released Tuesday, stressed that when a vehicle exceeds its designed load capacity, it compromises braking efficiency, vehicle stability, and tyre performance. These mechanical failures often result in sudden loss of control, particularly at high speeds or on poorly maintained roads, thereby endangering lives.

FRSC clarified that, beyond putting the driver at risk, overloading exposes passengers and other road users to grave danger. It also accelerates vehicle wear and tear and contributes to the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure, creating broader safety and economic challenges for the country.

The Corps strongly urged drivers, fleet managers, and transport operators to strictly adhere to prescribed loading limits and safety regulations at all times. Compliance, it noted, is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to safeguard lives, property, and public assets.

Reiterating its commitment, the FRSC emphasised that enforcement and monitoring will be intensified across all formations nationwide. Anyone found violating these regulations will face appropriate sanctions in line with extant laws, as the agency continues to prioritise road safety and the protection of Nigerians.