A recent report by SB Morgan Intelligence, titled “Roads to Nowhere”, has shed light on the alarming state of road safety in Nigeria, with 58% of surveyed Nigerians deeming the country’s roads generally unsafe. The report, released on Thursday, underscores the challenges posed by insecurity and poor infrastructure across Nigeria’s road networks.

Of the respondents, 34.7% cited frequent security concerns, while 23.3% expressed significant fears of insecurity. Meanwhile, only 42% considered the roads somewhat safe, with a mere 2.4% rating them as very safe. Additionally, 14.3% of respondents found the roads generally safe, and 25.3% described them as moderately safe.

The report highlights major threats, stating:

“Nigeria’s roads are fraught with danger, from insecurity hotspots in Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, and Lagos to inconsistent police patrols and treacherous road conditions that have led to numerous accidents, underscoring the urgent need for improved security and infrastructure.”

Port Harcourt-Warri Road: The Most Dangerous Route

The study identifies the Port Harcourt-Warri Road in Southern Nigeria as the country’s most dangerous route, surpassing the notorious Abuja-Kaduna highway. According to SB Morgan Intelligence, the Port Harcourt-Warri corridor recorded a high prevalence of kidnapping for ransom between January 2023 and December 12, 2024.

The report elaborates:

“Kidnapping for ransom forms a major security threat to travellers across this route, unlike the Makurdi-Jos route, which has a mix of youth gang violence and pastoral conflicts. These issues often escalate into protests against the government’s poor security provisions, resulting in roadblocks and attacks on motorists.”

Security Incidents on Nigerian Roads

The Abuja-Kaduna Road remains infamous for high-profile incidents, including the AK-9 train attack in March 2022. This route has witnessed a series of kidnappings, armed robberies, and terrorist activities, further eroding public confidence in its safety.

The report’s findings paint a stark picture of the state of Nigerian roads, where inadequate infrastructure and escalating insecurity continue to threaten the lives of motorists. Urgent action is required to address these issues, with calls for enhanced security measures and infrastructure development echoing across the country.

As Nigerians navigate these challenges, the survey serves as a critical reminder of the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure safer travel for all citizens.