Travel3

First time visitors may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in their countries. The information below may not be totally accurate as circumstances vary from one location to the other.

Road Conditions

Poor condition of roads causes damage to vehicles and contributing to hazardous traffic conditions. There are few traffic lights that are working, and stop signs are rarely provided. The rainy season from May to October is especially dangerous because of flooded roads.

Excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits, and the lack of basic maintenance and safety equipment on many vehicles are additional hazards. Motorists seldom yield the right-of-way and give little consideration to pedestrians and cyclists. Gridlock is common in most urban areas.

Safe Driving

Always wear seat belts when in a vehicle, and lock the doors and raise the windows. It is important to secure appropriate insurance. Night driving should be avoided. Bandits and police roadblocks are more numerous at night. Streets are very poorly lit, and many vehicles are without one or both headlights.

Public Transportation

Public transportation vehicles are unsafe due to poor maintenance, high speeds and overcrowding. Avoid using public transportation, it is unsafe in most parts of Nigeria, but if you must take a taxi, use only those in taxi parks.

Road-side Assistance

Short-term visitors are urged not to drive. A Nigerian driver's license can take months to obtain, and the international driving permit is not recognized. Major hotels offer reliable car-hire services complete with drivers. Inter-city travelers must also consider that road-side assistance is extremely scarce, and lack of access to modest health care facilities means that a a minor traffic incident might result in death or permanent disability.

The Federal Road Safety Commission may be contacted by mail at: Ojodu-Isheri Road, PMB 21510, Ikeja, Lagos; telephone [243] (1) 492-2218 or 492-3369.

Previous < - - Go to Top - - > Next