On safety of Nigerian roads

It is only in Nigeria that the government doesn’t apply functional and sustainable techniques in the issue of road safety audit backed with actions like it is done in and prioritised in developed nations with a view to improving road traffic and ensure safety of commuters as well as pedestrians.

The Federal Government is responsible for 22 per cent of road and it is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring safety on such roads in addition to provision of all important components that will aid commuting; Light for night travels, traffic signs and warnings as well as security among others.

The Nigerian economy depends strongly on the functionality of the road transport system and researches have proved that about 90 per cent of the macroeconomic activities in Nigeria also depend on land transportation. But in spite of its importance, land transportation has suffered from technical neglect by successive governments and while more kilometers have been constructed, the existing ones continue to deteriorate, creating grave dangers for commuters.

This is due to lack of diligence in award of contract and road rehabilitation among other forms of corruption. Consequently, travelling by road in Nigeria has become a risky venture and the journey of just one hour now takes several hours.

Our roads are originally designed for heavy traffic and the traffic density, especially on roads plied by heavy duty and articulated vehicles accelerate wear and tear on roads by damaging already poorly constructed surfaces.

Though the high cost of maintaining road and planning safety is high, government cannot run away from its responsibilities.

Government should focus on roads and consider safety system in order to curb unnecessary loss of lives through avoidable road accidents.

Funmilayo Ayobami,

Ibadan.

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