FG unveils secretariat of the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA)

The federal government, on Tuesday, unveiled the secretariat of the African Association of Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA) and the West African Road Safety Organisation (WARSO) in Abuja.

Located at the premises of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), headquarters in Abuja, the AARSLA and WARSO headquarters will serve as the administrative base for member countries of the association which include Nigeria, Mali, Benin Republic, Zambia among others.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the federal republic of Nigeria, the corps marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed said 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.

According to him, “This milestone aligns strongly with Nigeria’s foreign policy direction under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which emphasizes regional cooperation, strategic partnerships and Africa’s leadership in global affairs. It also reflects the core objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda: promoting safety, strengthening institutions and improving the quality of life for our citizens.

“This event represents the fulfilment of a commitment I 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. I pledged then that the Federal Road Safety Corps would provide a befitting Secretariat. Today, we are proud to deliver on that promise. It is equally noteworthy 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. 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.”

Speaking further, the corps marshal said “since the creation of WARSO 18 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 54 countries in Africa, represents a strategic platform for advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda beyond our borders. Built on the pillars of exchange, learn, and advocate, it fosters peer collaboration, strengthens professional competence, and amplifies Africa’s voice in global road safety discourse.”

Also speaking, the director general of the Centre National de Sécurité Routière (CNSR), Benin Republic, Ariel Sacramento called for collaboration among African countries to address road crashes.

According to him, “Our gathering today is not just ceremonial. It is a recognition that no country can address this challenge alone. Benin Republic was also a founding member of WARSO and held its secretariat for almost a decade. We believe in regional and continental cooperation. By working together—across borders, sharing the same realities—we can accelerate our efforts and deliver meaningful, lasting impact.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the World Bank for its unwavering support to AARSLA and to road safety initiatives across Africa. I also wish to warmly congratulate Nigeria for hosting the headquarters of AARSLA, and to extend our deep gratitude for offering the continent the facilities we are inaugurating today.”