19/04/2026
PUBLIC STATEMENT AND CALL TO ACTION
By the International Society Against Reckless Driving
We strongly condemn the continued and dangerous coexistence of heavy-duty vehicles—trailers, trucks, articulated vehicles, and tankers—with smaller vehicles on Nigeria’s roads, particularly on poorly constructed or ongoing road projects. This situation is not just unsafe; it is a disaster waiting to happen.
During a recent road trip from Abuja to Kaduna, we observed with deep concern the reckless manner in which these large vehicles operate on a highway still under construction—characterized by inadequate signage, sudden dusty diversions, and frequent one-lane traffic. The result is a highly volatile environment where smaller vehicles are constantly exposed to life-threatening risks.
This is not a hypothetical danger. Time and again, Nigerians have witnessed horrific incidents where heavy trucks have rammed into smaller vehicles or containers have fallen off trailers, crushing innocent road users. From fatal crashes in Lagos involving fallen containers, to deadly collisions on Abuja expressways and other parts of the country, lives have been lost with little or no accountability. Families have been shattered. Yet, meaningful action remains absent.
This must stop.
We propose the following urgent measures:
Short-Term Solution:
Immediate restriction of heavy-duty vehicles from operating during peak hours—morning, afternoon, and early evening. Their movement should be limited to nighttime operations, beginning from 10:00 PM, when traffic volume is significantly reduced.
Long-Term Solution:
The development of dedicated routes or specialized highways exclusively for heavy-duty vehicles. This strategic separation will drastically reduce road accidents and improve safety for all categories of road users.
We call on the Federal Government to act decisively if the safety of Nigerian commuters truly matters. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) must take the lead in advocating for and enforcing these changes. Silence and inaction in the face of repeated tragedies are unacceptable.
It is also deeply concerning that many lawmakers who have the power to enact these regulations are themselves stakeholders in the heavy transport industry. This conflict of interest raises an urgent question: who will hold them accountable?
Nigerian lives matter. Every life lost to preventable road crashes is one too many.
We urge all citizens, civil society groups, and stakeholders to join us in demanding immediate reforms. Together, we can push for safer roads and prevent further needless loss of life.
Signed:
International Society Against Reckless Driving
