The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called on the Nigerian government to consider implementing Sharia law for prosecuting traffic offenders as a means to reduce road crashes in the country.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Yusuf Abdullahi, the sector commander of FRSC in Bauchi State, highlighted the inadequacy of existing laws governing road accidents and emphasized the need to incorporate Sharia law into traffic regulations.
Abdullahi, the FRSC commander, argued that the application of Islamic law would instill discipline, promote respect for traffic rules, and encourage safe road habits among motorists.
He expressed his belief that introducing Sharia law would deter careless behavior on the roads, particularly in the region he oversees, where many road users tend to disregard traffic regulations without considering the consequences.
Abdullahi stated that reckless driving and disregard for safety measures are major causes of road crashes, and introducing Sharia law would help address these negative attitudes.
According to Abdullahi, under the proposed system, the introduction of Sharia law would lead to thorough investigations of road crashes, and the guilty party and their family would be held responsible for any consequences arising from the incident.
He emphasized that if the driver loses their life in a crash and is found guilty, the vehicle owner would also be held accountable for not exercising due diligence before entrusting their vehicle to the driver.
While acknowledging the effectiveness of the existing laws, Abdullahi stressed the importance of the extent to which they are enforced.
He cited examples of countries where Sharia law is implemented, explaining that it guides behavior to such an extent that even family and friends counsel their loved ones on appropriate conduct.
Abdullahi believes that adopting Sharia law for traffic offenses would have a similar effect, as it would make it a collective responsibility for relatives and acquaintances to ensure that individuals adhere to traffic rules.
Abdullahi also noted that the application of Sharia law would introduce stiffer penalties for road traffic offenders, which, in turn, would compel drivers and other road users to exercise greater caution to avoid accidents.
He argued that in countries where Sharia law is practiced, the strict penalties associated with it make road safety a matter of concern for everyone, as family members and friends understand that there can be no compromise on traffic rules.
While the suggestion to introduce Sharia law into traffic regulations may spark debate, the FRSC’s call highlights their concern for improving road safety in Nigeria.
As road crashes continue to claim numerous lives and cause significant damage, exploring alternative approaches to address reckless driving and encourage responsible behavior is of paramount importance.
The government will need to carefully consider the potential implications, effectiveness, and public reception of such a policy change before taking any steps forward.