Roads to nowhere: A bumpy ride through Nigeria’s roads

Nigeria’s inadequate road infrastructure poses significant economic challenges, costing billions annually in lost productivity and resources. Roads are central to the country’s commerce, serving as critical lifelines connecting cities, villages and markets. However, the deteriorating state of these roads disproportionately impacts commercial drivers, whose voices are often excluded from broader transportation policy discussions.

A recent nationwide survey by SBM Intelligence, engaging 245 drivers across eight major commercial hubs, highlights widespread dissatisfaction with road conditions. Vital issues identified include potholes (32.9%) and security concerns (25.6%), with many drivers reporting that poor infrastructure extends travel times beyond predictions by standard navigation tools. The survey also revealed traffic flow patterns, with evening hours seeing the heaviest congestion on interstate highways.

While some routes, such as Bauchi to Kano, Kano to Abuja, and Jos to Bauchi, have seen improvements, drivers in Kano pointed out that the federal roads are still bad due to government abandonment, poor drainage and incomplete projects. These deficiencies exacerbate security risks, with 84.6% of respondents reporting incidents or threats along travel routes. Dangerous hotspots were identified in urban centres critical for interstate travel like Lagos, Maiduguri, and Port Harcourt, the latter being the most hazardous due to rampant kidnapping and limited police patrols.

Insecurity is a significant concern, with an overwhelming 84.6% of respondents reporting that they had either experienced or heard of security incidents along their travel routes.  A majority of 58% viewed the roads as unsafe, with 34.7% expressing frequent security concerns and 23.3% indicating significant fears of insecurity. This highlights a prevailing sense of unease among road users. Hotspots such as the Port Harcourt-Warri route have emerged as high-risk areas for theft, attacks, and kidnapping, particularly during peak travel hours when commuters are most vulnerable.

The poor state of roads also drives up vehicle maintenance costs, with nearly half (49%) of respondents reporting increased expenses and shorter vehicle lifespans. These rising costs compel most transport operators to adjust pricing, burdening consumers.

Addressing these infrastructure deficits is both an economic and social imperative. Improved road conditions would reduce delays, lower operational costs, extend vehicle lifespans, and stabilise transport pricing, fostering a more efficient and sustainable system. Moreover, enhanced infrastructure would mitigate security risks, improve driver and passenger satisfaction, and unlock economic growth in affected regions. This comprehensive approach is critical to revitalising Nigeria’s transportation sector and boosting economic productivity.

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