Nigerian Roads: A Call for Urgent Concern — By Kayode James

My recent journey from Bauchi State to Anambra State, spanning over 20 hours, left me with a whirlwind of emotions—disappointment, frustration, and a pressing sense of urgency. What should have been a seamless trip across Nigeria turned into a sobering reflection on the state of our nation’s infrastructure.

As I sat through the endless hours on the road, questions swirled in my mind: What went wrong? Why have our roads become death traps? Who is responsible for this decay, and how did we get here? Is this truly the country we dreamed of as children, a nation brimming with hope and opportunity? Do our lawmakers, the so-called custodians of public welfare, ever ply these roads? And if they do, how can they remain blind to the suffering of the people they represent?

From Promise to Peril: The Journey

The journey began smoothly enough, leaving Bauchi through Plateau State. The picturesque landscapes, particularly around communities like Vom, were a tourist’s delight. The lush greenery and rolling hills seemed to whisper promises of adventure and joy. However, that sense of wonder was short-lived.

As we approached Akwanga through Keffi, the road conditions rapidly deteriorated, and my sense of security plummeted. Every bump and pothole felt like a metaphor for the cracks in our nation’s foundations. By the time we crossed into Benue State and headed toward Enugu, the road was in such disrepair that the journey became a nightmare. The jarring ride was so severe that one couldn’t help but wonder if a heavily pregnant woman could survive it without complications.

The Security Gauntlet

Beyond the state of the roads, the issue of security—or the lack thereof—was equally alarming. At almost every kilometer, there were makeshift checkpoints manned by security operatives, ostensibly there to protect us. Yet, their primary activity seemed to be collecting “taxes” from commuters. A refusal to part with a token could result in prolonged delays, raising the question: If these checkpoints exist only for monetary gain, how effective are they in securing the highways?

What if these vehicles, after dropping ₦200 at each checkpoint, were carrying illicit arms or contraband? Would they still pass without proper scrutiny? The realization that security, one of the government’s primary responsibilities, has been reduced to transactional encounters was deeply unsettling.

Scenes of Despair

As the journey continued, the human cost of our national neglect became painfully evident. At every checkpoint, children who should have been in school were hawking sachets of water, groundnuts, and other petty goods. Their youthful innocence was being traded for survival on treacherous roads.

Old women, who deserved a dignified old age in a country they had given their lives to, lined the highways, begging passengers to buy cabbages, bananas, or chips. These scenes of desperation underscored a heartbreaking reality: the promise of Nigeria has been betrayed, not just in infrastructure but in the quality of life for its people.

Questions We Must Answer

This journey raised questions that cannot be ignored:

How long will Nigerians continue to endure roads that are not just inconvenient but outright dangerous?

Why have we allowed our leaders to perpetuate a cycle of neglect and mediocrity?

How can we expect economic growth, social stability, or even national pride when the arteries that connect our states are clogged with neglect and corruption?

A Call for Change

It is time for Nigerians to demand accountability from those in power. Infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity for any functioning nation. The state of our roads reflects the state of our leadership—patched, broken, and full of avoidable potholes.

The journey from Bauchi to Anambra should not take 20 hours. It should not leave travelers physically and emotionally drained. Most importantly, it should not reveal the extent of poverty and neglect that has become the norm in a country blessed with abundant resources.

As a nation, we must decide: will we continue to let bad governance reign, or will we rise to demand a better Nigeria—one where roads are smooth, journeys are safe, and every citizen has the chance to thrive?

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