By Peace Udugba
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has renewed its strategic partnership with major brewing companies in Nigeria to intensify efforts against drunk-driving and enhance road safety across the country.
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed with members of the Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), extends the collaboration for another five years. Both parties pledged to deepen public awareness, strengthen enforcement, and expand community engagement initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related road crashes.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector in addressing road safety challenges, particularly those linked to alcohol consumption.
He stressed that saving lives on Nigerian roads requires sustained synergy, noting that the corps would continue working with industry stakeholders to promote responsible behaviour among motorists.
Speaking on behalf of the BSG, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc and Chairman of the group, Thibaut Boidin, said the renewal reflects the industry’s commitment to long-term collaboration with regulators.
He referenced previous joint initiatives, including the “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign, describing them as impactful, and added that the next phase would focus on expanding reach and strengthening implementation nationwide.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma, reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to promoting safer roads. He noted that while alcohol is often blamed for road crashes, the core issue lies in irresponsible consumption, particularly drinking and driving.
“We are here to work with you and ensure that this programme grows bigger and delivers real impact. Saving lives is what matters most,” he said.
Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of International Breweries Plc, Nicholas Kade, commended the FRSC for its dedication, describing its efforts as critical to making communities safer. He assured that the brewing industry would continue to support initiatives that promote responsible drinking and road safety.
The Executive Director of the BSG, Abiola Laseinde, described the renewal as a major milestone in public-private collaboration. She noted that the partnership has driven nationwide campaigns against drunk-driving, influenced behaviour, and reached millions of Nigerians with road safety messages.
Laseinde added that both parties would scale up interventions over the next five years to further reduce road crashes and encourage responsible alcohol consumption.
The FRSC-BSG partnership has remained central to national efforts aimed at discouraging drunk-driving, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the renewed agreement will deliver stronger and more impactful outcomes.
