In an urgent call for improved road safety and maintenance, civil engineer and project management consultant Babatunji Adegoke emphasizes the need for a thorough review of existing road designs in Nigeria. In an exclusive interview, he underscored the role of a structured maintenance plan as essential for prolonging the lifespan of road infrastructure. He articulated that regular assessment of road designs, particularly at accident-prone intersections, can significantly enhance road safety and functionality. By implementing safety features that take into account human behavior and factors affecting road users, Adegoke believes that intersections can be made safer and more efficient for everyone. Improved road signage and better illumination are also crucial to minimizing road accidents and creating a safer driving environment.
Adegoke further elaborated on the importance of stronger enforcement of health and safety standards for construction companies, alongside tougher traffic regulations. He contends that these measures would promote compliance and consequently reduce the frequency of accidents and hazardous construction practices. In addition to reviewing road safety measures, Adegoke advocates for the construction of alternative roads and ongoing stakeholder engagement to alleviate traffic congestion. He believes that these initiatives can encourage adherence to traffic regulations, as well as foster a culture of responsible driving through road user education campaigns. Collectively, these strategies could significantly ease congestion in Lagos State, extend the durability of existing road networks, and enhance overall quality of life for road users.
Echoing Adegoke’s sentiments, Akintayo Akintola, a past Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers in Ikeja, lamented the neglect of road maintenance, which has resulted in the deterioration of vital infrastructure. He criticized the government’s laissez-faire attitude, suggesting that it operates on autopilot, neglecting timely upkeep and allowing roads to fall into disrepair. Akintola referenced specific cases such as Ogba Road in Lagos and Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State, underscoring the long-term, unresolved construction projects that have compounded the issues of road maintenance and safety. He expressed frustration with a system that lets roads degrade to the point where they require replacement rather than routine care.
Adegoke also reiterated that well-maintained road infrastructures can match the reliability of other facilities like buildings. He insisted on adherence to an effective maintenance plan to ensure that roads remain safe and usable. While acknowledging the government’s commendable efforts in constructing new roads, such as the Lekki-Epe Expressway, he insisted that equal attention must be directed towards maintenance. Delayed maintenance often leads to severe hardships—traffic congestion and longer travel times are just a few immediate consequences that road users face. He argued that the neglect of maintenance also takes a toll on vehicles, which suffer from damage due to poor road conditions, leading to punctured tires and shortened vehicle lifespan.
Beyond infrastructural issues, Adegoke raised concerns about inadequate safety signage, particularly at turns and junctions. He highlighted that many roads lack essential traffic management during construction, increasing the safety risks for users. The improper management of traffic, particularly during ongoing road construction, has resulted in road users spending unnecessary time on the roads due to congestion and confusion. He criticized contractors for their neglect of the well-being of road users, pointing out that even basic safety precautions, such as wetting dusty grounds to minimize disturbances, are often overlooked. The lack of attention to fundamental safety during roadwork exacerbates the hardships faced by citizens, who are left to navigate dangerous and inconvenient driving conditions.
In conclusion, the combined insights of Adegoke and Akintola shed light on the urgent necessity for a shift in approach regarding road infrastructure in Nigeria. By prioritizing regular reviews of road designs, systematic maintenance, and rigorous enforcement of safety standards, the government can significantly improve the efficiency and safety of its road networks. Adegoke’s vision for collaborative efforts that include educational campaigns for road users, alongside infrastructural improvements, paints a pathway for reducing congestion and enhancing the overall driving experience. Ultimately, a commitment to maintaining existing roads rather than allowing them to deteriorate will lead to better outcomes for all road users and contribute to a more functional and safer transportation system in Nigeria.
