Road traffic crashes in Nigeria increased in the fourth quarter of 2025, with 2,731 incidents recorded nationwide, according to new data released on Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The statistics office said the figure represents a 12.20 per cent rise compared with the 2,434 crashes recorded in the third quarter of 2025. It also shows a 6.72 per cent increase relative to the 2,559 crashes reported in the corresponding period of 2024.

A breakdown of the crashes by severity shows that serious crashes accounted for the largest share of incidents during the quarter.

The report indicated that 1,775 cases were classified as serious crashes. Fatal crashes followed with 677 cases, while minor crashes accounted for the least number with 279 cases.

The data further revealed a gender disparity in road crash fatalities during the period under review.

A total of 1,085 males lost their lives in road traffic crashes in the fourth quarter of 2025, representing 78.97 per cent of total fatalities. In comparison, 289 females were killed, accounting for 21.03 per cent.
Similarly, males accounted for the majority of persons injured in road crashes across the country.

According to the report, 6,561 males sustained injuries during the quarter, representing 75.19 per cent of the total number of injured persons. By contrast, 2,165 females were injured, accounting for 24.81 per cent.

The number of vehicles involved in road traffic accidents also increased during the period.

The NBS said 4,059 vehicles were involved in crashes in the fourth quarter of 2025. This represents a 9.41 per cent increase compared with the 3,710 vehicles recorded in the third quarter of the year.

The statistical agency also provided a zonal analysis of road traffic crashes across the country.

The South-West zone recorded the highest number of crashes with 763 cases during the quarter. The North-Central zone followed closely with 744 cases.

By contrast, the South-South zone recorded the lowest number of crashes with 152 cases during the same period.
In terms of casualties, however, the North-Central zone recorded the highest number across the country.

The zone accounted for 2,649 casualties, followed by the North-West with 2,497 casualties. The South-South recorded the least number of casualties at 420.

The latest figures highlight persistent road safety challenges in Nigeria despite ongoing efforts by authorities and traffic management agencies to reduce accidents and improve road safety nationwide.