Deadly crossings: How declining footbridge use turns highways into killing fields

Pedestrian bridges across Nigeria's major highways stand largely empty, as commuters increasingly choose to dash across lanes of speeding traffic instead of using these safe crossing points. This dangerous trend has fueled a surge in road crashes, transforming expressways into deadly zones where lives are lost in avoidable tragedies.

On Lagos's International Airport Road, a nursing mother identified as Mojisola was killed by a speeding Toyota Highlander. She had attempted to cross the busy highway from the Mafoluku side of the 7 & 8 Bus Stop, ignoring the nearby pedestrian bridge. A taxi driver who witnessed the incident stated that the woman, among others, began crossing when traffic appeared light, but she was hit before reaching the middle barricade.

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She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees.

"She wasn’t dead when they took her away, and I don’t think she died immediately after the accident. But I have seen people die on the spot here, while many others have sustained injuries of varying degrees," the witness said. He noted that occupants of the vehicle might have been rushing to catch a flight at the airport.

In another incident, a 37-year-old trader, Ifeanyi Chidume, narrowly escaped death on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway when a vehicle ran over his foot as he attempted to cross. He sustained injuries that required crutches for months. Chidume admitted regretting not using the bridge but also cited convenience as a factor. He mentioned that some people avoid the new pedestrian bridge due to fear of being robbed.

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Yes, I regretted not using the bridge then, but even now, I still cross the expressway. Sometimes, it is simply more convenient.