Korede Abdullah in Lagos
A recent report has highlighted Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Maiduguri as dangerous hotspots across Nigeria’s major cities and highways, due to rising insecurity.
SBM Intel in its report titled: Roads To Nowhere – A Bumpy Ride Through Nigeria’s Road, interacted with 245 drivers across eight major commercial nerves: Abuja, Calabar, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Maiduguri, Onitsha, and Port Harcourt, to shed light on their realities.
The report noted that these cities, which are crucial for interstate travel, were flagged for elevated insecurity, especially during evening peak hours when commuters are most at risk.
“Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt, Shagamu Interchange in Lagos, and the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road were cited as major danger zones for theft, attacks, and road-related hazards,” the report stated.
The report identified Port Harcourt as the most perilous city, with respondents singling out the Ihiala-Okigwe Road as a notorious hotspot. Maiduguri followed closely, with the Damaturu Forest and Daudu-Akeleku areas flagged for persistent security threats.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway also ranked high for criminal activities. Kidnapping for ransom remains a significant threat, particularly on the Port Harcourt-Warri route, which has surpassed the Abuja-Kaduna highway in danger levels.
In addition to insecurity, the report also highlighted poor road conditions as a critical issue. Nearly half of the respondents rated the road surface condition as average, while 20.4% deemed it poor.
The adverse effects of poor infrastructure are far-reaching, causing delays, increasing fuel consumption, and leading to frequent vehicle damage. These challenges culminate in higher maintenance costs for transport operators, significantly straining profitability.
The report emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to enhance infrastructure, bolster security, and support the economic viability of the nation’s transport operators.
“Without swift action, the cycle of inefficiency and insecurity will continue to undermine progress and public trust,” the report warned.
The economic implications of these challenges are profound, with transport operators compelled to revise pricing to sustain their operations, resulting in increased fares for commuters.
