Safety Helmet

GreenLight Initiative is calling for urgent action to strengthen Nigeria’s helmet standards and enforcement following a recent report by the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety, which revealed that many helmets sold across African markets fail to provide adequate protection.

The Alliance’s independent testing of 11 helmets across 10 countries found that none passed all the core safety tests, and only one passed any of the three key tests. This worrying discovery shows that millions of riders who wear helmets in good faith may still be at risk of serious head injuries because of substandard products.

“Wearing a helmet should save lives, not create a false sense of safety,” said Star Okereh, Manager at GreenLight Initiative. “This new evidence reinforces the need for Nigeria to adopt and enforce strong helmet standards. We must make sure that only certified, tested, and safe helmets are sold in the market. Every life lost due to unsafe helmets is one too many.”

GreenLight Initiative is advocating for the full implementation of the Alliance’s recommendations to make safe helmets accessible and affordable for all Nigerian riders.

Our Call to Action

1. Adopt a strong national helmet standard:
Nigeria should align with internationally recognized helmet safety standards, such as the UNECE R22-series a United Nations helmet safety regulation that defines how helmets must perform in crash tests, including impact absorption, strap strength, and penetration resistance or develop an equivalent national standard.

2. Eliminate unsafe helmets from the market:
Regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), should conduct regular inspections, remove non-compliant helmets, and penalize distributors of unsafe products.

3. Build testing and certification capacity:
Establish accredited helmet testing laboratories in Nigeria or within the region to verify the safety of helmets before they reach consumers.

4. Educate and empower road users:
Launch awareness campaigns to help riders identify certified helmets, discourage the purchase of unsafe products, and make quality helmets affordable for low-income riders through targeted subsidies.

Why This Matters

Motorcycle crashes are a leading cause of serious injury and death in Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization, certified helmets can reduce the risk of fatal head injury by up to 70%. However, this protection only works when the helmet meets proper safety standards. By implementing the Alliance’s recommendations, Nigeria can ensure that every helmet worn truly protects its user by turning compliance into genuine safety.

GreenLight Initiative is a non-profit organization committed to saving lives and promoting safer, more sustainable transport. Through advocacy, education, and community-based interventions, the organization works with partners across the world to build a culture of safety for all road users.

Signed,

Star Okereh
Manager,
GreenLight Initiative.