Infrastructure

The Human and Economic Toll of Nigeria’s Deteriorating Road Network

Published by
Emmanuel Eze

Nigeria has the largest road network in West Africa, with over 108,000 kilometers of paved roads. However, as SBM Intelligence’s recent report, “Roads to Nowhere: A Bumpy Ride Through Nigeria’s Roads,” points out, these vital routes face many problems that affect the economy and everyday life.

The report highlights issues such as the high cost of vehicle repairs and the serious security risks on major highways, revealing widespread challenges with significant impacts.

Strained Road Infrastructure

Nigeria’s struggling road infrastructure is a key factor in its economic challenges. The Lagos-Ibadan route, a vital link for trade, highlights these inefficiencies. SBM Intelligence notes that although Google Maps estimates the Lagos to Kano trip should take 14.9 hours, it often stretches to 20 hours due to heavy traffic, roadblocks, and poor road conditions. Other routes, such as Port Harcourt to Abuja and Kano to Maiduguri, also face long delays and frequent dangers.

Transport operators are the hardest hit with about 49% of drivers surveyed saying they face much higher maintenance costs due to bad roads, while 18.8% are affected by increased fuel consumption. Nearly 32% experience disruptions in daily operations because of delays and long travel times. These problems have a ripple effect, with 85.7% of operators raising transport fares, a decision that gets mixed reactions from passengers.

Drivers on the Frontlines

SBM’s report sheds light on the experiences of commercial drivers, the often-overlooked backbone of Nigeria’s transportation system. A survey of 245 drivers shows that buses make up 71.8% of vehicles on the road. Poor road conditions are a constant challenge, with 48.2% of drivers rating the country’s roads as average and 20.4% as poor. Additionally, 33% of respondents identify potholes are most common obstacle they encountered weekly.

In addition to poor infrastructure, insecurity is a major concern. A staggering 84.6% of surveyed drivers report experiencing or hearing about security incidents along their routes. Roads like the Port Harcourt-Warri and Maiduguri-Damaturu corridors are infamous for kidnappings, armed robberies, and accidents. Irregular police patrols worsen these dangers, leaving both drivers and passengers exposed to risks.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s drivers show remarkable resilience. Their resourcefulness and determination to navigate dangerous roads highlight the unwavering spirit of a nation where road transport is essential for trade and connectivity.

Hidden Costs and Regional Inequalities

Nigeria’s poor road infrastructure has far-reaching economic consequences, affecting more than just transport operators. Frequent vehicle repairs and shortened lifespans take a toll on profitability, while passengers face higher fares and prolonged delays. Regional disparities only make matters worse. While some routes, such as Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Nasarawa, have seen improvements, others, like Kano-Kaduna and Jos-Nasarawa roads, remain in poor condition.

SBM’s analysis points out these inequalities, noting that areas with significant improvements often benefit from public-private partnerships or community-led initiatives. However, regions without these interventions remain stuck in a cycle of neglect and insecurity.

A Path Forward: Solutions from the Report

The SBM Intelligence report calls for a multi-pronged approach to tackling these issues. First, the government must prioritize road rehabilitation and maintenance, particularly on busy routes like Lagos-Onitsha and Kano-Maiduguri. Transparency and accountability in managing infrastructure projects are essential to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Public-private partnerships could also be a game-changer. Innovations like GPS-based traffic systems and real-time road monitoring could improve safety and efficiency. Additionally, increased police patrols and surveillance technologies are necessary to combat the widespread insecurity on major highways.

Glimmers of Hope

Despite the challenges, the SBM report highlights some positive developments. Roads like the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Nasarawa have been resurfaced, cutting down travel times and fuel consumption. In some areas, community efforts and private sector involvement have driven repairs, providing a model for scalable solutions.

The Human and Economic Imperative

The report makes it clear: addressing Nigeria’s road crisis is not just about convenience but is essential for the country’s economy and social well-being. Better road conditions would lower operational costs, extend vehicle lifespans, and stabilize transport prices, leading to a more efficient and sustainable transport system. Improved security would also restore confidence in the sector, unlocking economic opportunities and improving the lives of millions.

By amplifying the voices of Nigeria’s drivers and offering practical solutions, SBM Intelligence underscores the urgent need for collective action. The road ahead calls for bold commitments from policymakers, private stakeholders, and communities to restore the lifelines that connect Nigeria’s economy and its people.

The Hidden Costs and Regional Inequalities

The economic toll of Nigeria’s poor road infrastructure extends beyond transport operators. Frequent repairs and reduced vehicle lifespans strain operators’ profitability, while passengers face higher fares and long delays. Regional disparities compound the problem. While some routes, such as Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Nasarawa, have seen improvements, others – including Kano-Kaduna and Jos-Nasarawa roads – remain in disrepair.

SBM’s analysis highlights these inequalities, noting that regions with significant improvements often benefit from public-private partnerships or community-led initiatives. However, areas lacking these interventions remain trapped in a cycle of underdevelopment and insecurity.

Emmanuel Eze

Emmanuel Eze is an early career journalist with an interest in reporting economic and business related issues

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