Abuja was once reknown for its smooth and relatively traffic free highways. It was even crowned by many residents and visitors as having the best roads in Nigeria. Yet, all is not picture perfect on the roads of the Federal Capital Territory. One statistic shatters any fantasy of Abuja driving Utopia; Abuja has the highest number of road crashes recorded in Nigeria. Strange indeed given that in times past many would blame the bad state of the roads for road crashes. Nowadays Abuja drivers are proving the popular phrase right; Accidents don’t happen, they’re caused.

Driving in Abuja can either be a pleasant if you’re simply navigating your way through one of the quiet highbrow Abuja districts or exclusive gated estates. More often than not, driving in Abuja can quickly turn nightmarish on a hot afternoon during rush hours with Keke Napep's and green cabs jostling around you breaking any traffic rules they can remember.

In certain parts of the city, for example around the notoriously rowdy Wuse Market driving can be cruel and painful torture on a weekday. The reckless and selfish attitude of commercial bus drivers who deliberately take up a sizeable part of the road while trying to get more passengers is a major source of frustration for private vehicle owners. The presence of traffic police, who simply watch in an uninterested and bored manner, doesn’t do much to alleviate the situation.

Causes of Vehicular Traffic Congestion in Abuja

Traffic congestion has many causes, but it is mostly due to increasing numbers of vehicles on the roads, poor traffic control via traffic lights or traffic attendants, poor state of walk ways and roads. Other times, the problem of traffic is due to high number of commuters on the roads during rush hours. Most people who work in Abuja live on the outskirts of the city in places like Gwarinpa, Kado, Kubwa, and Lugbe or in towns in neighboring states such as Suleja, Nyanya, Maraba and so on. This presents a challenge for the road safety officials and people involved in managing road traffic as the bulk of Abuja’s working class drive in and out of the city at peak periods, the early morning rush into the city and evening commute out of the city.

Road and Driving Hazards in Abuja

It is on record that Abuja has the highest number of road accidents despite also suprisingly having the best roads in the country. It is a known fact that Abuja drivers can be reckless by over-speeding on the roads. Pedestrians who have to cross the lanes of the ever risky highways have to be careful especially at nights when the street lights may not be working. Many victims have been killed or injured by reckless Abuja drivers.

Most people blame distracted and uncaring taxi drivers for causing of numerous road crashes over the years. Many cars have been bashed or scratched due to reckless driving. You’d be surprised that even at traffic light stops some people still behave as if waiting for the green light is a sin.

You may be surprised to know that many drivers don’t know traffic laws nor do they understand highway codes. Traffic law enforcement agents who are tasked with the role of sensitising motorists rarely go beyond unconstructive road-side bullying. With the population of Abuja increasing rapidly, more sophisticated strategies need to be enforced to prevent road accidents. For example, drivers should be made to aquire drivers licenses by undergoing accredited driving tests. For now, it seems the hazards posed by reckless Abuja drivers isn't going to abate anytime soon.

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