Can the Nigerian government rise to the challenge?

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and one of the continent’s largest economies that possesses the potential to be a global powerhouse. However, systemic challenges that the government appears unable to grapple with head-on have continued to hinder its development and the overall well-being of its citizens.

I spent nearly six months in Nigeria from 26 September 2024 until my return to the UK on 12 March 2025 - and I observed firsthand the difficulties facing the country. My stay was occasioned by the loss of my immediate younger sister, Dame Dr. Chizoba Asinugo, who retired as Head of Recruitment and Evaluation at the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and passed on, on 28 August 2024. After she was laid to rest, I took time to assist in settling her family and enforcing her Will. I also used the opportunity to study the Nigerian society, driven by my desire to contribute in making Nigeria a better place for all humanity.

One of the most glaring issues I observed during my stay in Nigeria was the absolute lack of discipline on the roads. Traffic regulations seemed nonexistent or where you found them, they were largely ignored by commuters. In many areas of the country, especially in big cities like Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Jos, Abeokuta, Benin, Aba, Owerri among others, road signs were either absent or insufficiently displayed. Where traffic lights existed, they were routinely disregarded by drivers who brazenly ran through red lights, showing a clear disregard for order and safety.

The absence of traffic cameras to monitor and penalize defaulting motorists helped to exacerbate the problem. The consequence of this lawlessness on Nigerian roads was frequent traffic congestions, accidents, and unnecessary road rage. When hold-ups occurred, instead of following a structured lane system, drivers often created multiple lines, worsening the gridlock and making it impossible for vehicles to move efficiently.

This disorder on the roads reflects a broader societal issue: the lack of discipline and accountability in various spheres of life, including homes, schools and workplaces.

If the people of Nigeria hope to move forward with the values they cherish, the government must urgently implement policies to restore discipline on the roads. Local government chairpersons and state governors should take active roles in ensuring that proper signage is installed, road regulations are enforced, and traffic lights are obeyed. There should also be a nationwide campaign to educate road users on the importance of compliance with traffic laws.

Another troubling observation during my stay was the activities of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders. These operators have become laws unto themselves, acting with impunity and often endangering the lives of passengers and pedestrians alike. Most of the motorcycles are unlicensed, and the riders themselves do not possess valid driving licenses. Additionally, there is no insurance coverage for these motorcycles, meaning that in the event of an accident, victims would have no recourse for compensation.

Further, it was common to see motorcycle riders without steel helmets, a basic safety requirement. Some underage children, who had no legal authority to operate motor vehicles, were seen transporting multiple passengers on highways, a practice that is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. In many communities, okada riders form gangs that terrorized residents and engaged in criminal activities. The failure of federal government agencies to regulate and control these transport operators worsened the security situation in many urban and rural areas.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) must wake up to its responsibilities and ensure that all motorcycles are properly registered with the Licensing Office, and their riders duly and personally licensed. There should also be strict enforcement of helmet laws and insurance policies to protect both passengers and riders. In addition, there must be a comprehensive review of commercial motorcycle operations, with a view on replacing them with a safer, more organized means of transportation.

It is important that the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sa'idu Ahmed Alkali understands that the lack of order on Nigerian roads is not an isolated issue but a symptom of a broader governance failure. If his government can enforce discipline on the roads, the ripple effect would be felt in other sectors. A society that respects traffic rules is certain to have citizens who obey laws in general, leading to better governance, improved public services, and enhanced national security.

A well-regulated transportation system will also boost investor confidence. At present, many foreign investors are discouraged by the apparent disorder in Nigerian cities, which affects logistics, mobility, and overall business operations. A country where roads are well managed, law enforcement is strict but fair, and citizens respect traffic regulations will naturally attract more investors, leading to job creation and economic boom.

Over the years, successive administrations have introduced policies aimed at improving road safety and transportation, but implementation has always been weak. Corruption, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and political interests often hinder progress. So, the big question remains: does the Nigerian ministry of transportation under Mr. Alkali, along with its law enforcement agencies, have the political and professional will to implement the necessary reforms?

For Nigeria to truly become a better place for all humanity, political leaders must rise above personal and party interests and focus on national development. Law enforcement agencies must be empowered to carry out their duties without fear or favouritism. There must be a deliberate effort to combat corruption within traffic enforcement bodies, ensuring that road safety laws are not only enacted but strictly implemented.

To make Nigeria a better place for all humanity, the government must adopt a multi-faceted approach to systematically address key issues. The government must strictly enforce traffic laws by installing traffic cameras at major intersections to monitor compliance. The government must increase penalties for traffic offences to deter violations. The government must train and equip traffic officers to effectively manage road discipline. The government must embark on a reformation of the motorcycle transport system by insisting that all motorcycles must be registered and insured. Also, the government must enforce age restrictions for riders and ensure they have valid licenses, and also provide alternative, safer means of public transportation.

The need to educate citizens on road safety and the consequences of reckless driving cannot be over-emphasized. It is the pathway to encouraging a culture of accountability through media campaigns. The government should be able to invest in better road networks and modern transport systems at local government and state levels. The government should be able to also introduce intelligent traffic management systems to ease congestion. Above all, government should be able to equip the Federal Road Safety Corps and other traffic bodies with modern enforcement tools, eradicate corruption within law enforcement agencies and implement merit-based recruitment to ensure competent personnel handle road safety matters.

Nigeria has the potential to be a thriving, well-organized, and prosperous nation, but this can only happen if the government takes decisive steps toward enforcing discipline, and law and order. The state of Nigerian roads is a metaphor for the larger societal dysfunction. By addressing these issues, the minister of transportation will be setting the foundation for a broader national transformation. If Nigeria is to become a better place for all humanity, the government, law enforcement agencies, and citizens must work in unison to foster a culture of discipline, accountability, and national pride. The question remains: will the Nigerian leaderships rise to the challenge?