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File photo: Auto crash scene
NIGERIA faces an escalating crisis of road accidents that threatens the lives of millions and drains the country’s economy. Despite various interventions by government agencies and road safety organisations, the statistics paint a grim picture: Nigeria ranks among the top countries in the world regarding road fatalities. The authorities should speedily address this tragic situation.
The Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Bureau of Statistics report that road traffic accidents are Nigeria’s leading cause of death. In 2022, over 11,000 road crashes were recorded, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths and thousands of injuries. While these figures are staggering, they likely under-represent the true scale of the problem, as many accidents go unreported in rural areas or are inadequately documented.
More alarmingly, the National Human Rights Commission recently expressed concerns after available data indicated that deaths from road accidents surpassed killings by gunmen across the country. Data from the Human Rights Dashboard, unveiled by the NHRC disclosed that road accidents claimed 191 lives in September 2024, while 141 persons died in attacks by criminals during the month. Sixty-nine others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The accidents occurred in various states between September 8 and 16, leaving many families grieving and communities in shock. On September 8, 59 passengers and 50 cows died when a petrol tanker had a head-on collision with a truck loaded with travellers and cattle at about 12.30 am along the Lapai-Agaie Road in Niger State. Five people died in an accident involving a gas tanker and a commercial bus on the Ife-Ibadan Expressway on September 12, in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The WHO estimates that road traffic injuries account for approximately 1.3 million deaths worldwide every year, with low—and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, disproportionately affected. The economic cost of these accidents is estimated at 3.0 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP.
This economic cost includes the cost of damaged vehicles and property, medical expenses, lost productivity, and the strain on emergency services.
Understanding the causes of Nigeria’s rising road accidents is crucial for finding sustainable solutions. The road infrastructure is notoriously inadequate. Many roads are poorly constructed, riddled with potholes, and lack proper drainage systems.
The failure to maintain roads and highways exacerbates the problem, as motorists are often forced to navigate treacherous conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. The situation worsens during the rainy season when many roads become impassable or severely damaged.
Additionally, inadequate signage, road markings, and traffic lights further complicate the situation.
One of the leading causes of road accidents is reckless driving. The lack of adherence to speed limits is exacerbated by insufficient enforcement by traffic authorities, allowing dangerous driving behaviours to persist.
Another significant factor contributing to road accidents is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk driving, particularly among commercial drivers, is a common occurrence.
The high number of victims places enormous pressure on Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system. The diversion of resources to treat accident victims means that other healthcare needs, such as maternal and child-care, are often neglected.
Addressing Nigeria’s road accident crisis requires both immediate and long-term solutions. The government must prioritise the rehabilitation and expansion of road networks. This includes repairing potholes, improving drainage systems, and ensuring proper road markings and signage. Building safer, well-maintained roads will significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Traffic authorities must enforce road safety regulations with greater consistency. Speed limits, seat belt use, and drunk driving laws should be strictly enforced, with penalties for offenders. The FRSC and other traffic agencies should be adequately funded and equipped to carry out their duties effectively.
Strengthening the emergency response capabilities is crucial to reducing fatalities. The government should invest in ambulance services, train paramedics, and improve the capacity of hospitals to handle trauma cases.
