Nigeria: Stuck for Days - Nigeria's Gridlock Is a Health Emergency
[Daily Trust] A video is circulating on social media of a woman brushing her teeth by the roadside, rinsing with water from a small sachet, somewhere along the Benin-Agbor road. She has been there for two days. Around her, hundreds of vehicles are queuing bumper to bumper.
A woman captured on video is seen brushing her teeth by the roadside on the Benin-Agbor road, drinking water from a small sachet. Hundreds of vehicles are lined up, with engines off as drivers rest. This scene has become a regular occurrence, turning highways into open-air waiting rooms. Similar gridlock has affected the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, with some travelers stuck for up to three days.
This is not a one-off incident but a growing crisis that demands attention as a public health emergency. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 1.2 million people die annually from road injuries, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Nigeria, with its roads responsible for a significant portion of global deaths, exemplifies this trend.
While fewer road crashes occurred in 2025 compared to the previous year, deaths rose by over eight percent, indicating more severe collisions. The gridlock crisis on Nigerian highways brings its own set of dangers, far beyond those captured in official statistics. Dehydration is a significant concern, particularly for children, the elderly, and those managing chronic conditions.
The lack of proper sanitation, food, and shade exacerbates the risks. Some travelers have even abandoned their vehicles to trek through dangerous terrain in search of safety. The mental toll of prolonged exposure on a stalled highway, combined with the uncertainties and stresses of gridlock, can lead to long-term psychological effects.
Economically, the impact is substantial, with losses estimated at around five hundred billion naira from recent shutdowns. These losses do not account for the spoilage of perishable goods or the delay in delivering essential medical supplies. While the government bears responsibility for road maintenance, travelers can take steps to mitigate risks.
Carrying extra water and necessary medications, staying in touch with family, and checking road reports before embarking on a journey are crucial steps. Despite the government's efforts, travelers must prioritize their safety and well-being on these problematic routes.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
