Lagos pedestrians shun bridges, risk death crossing highways

Despite the provision of pedestrian bridges designed for safe passage across Lagos's bustling highways, a significant number of residents are opting for a more perilous route: crossing the roads directly. PUNCH Metro observed that facilities around Oshodi, Isolo, 7/8 Bus Stop, and the NAHCO area on the Airport Road were largely deserted, with pedestrians frequently seen navigating heavy traffic instead.

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Some people, you know, in Nigeria, we need anything fast lane, fast track. Everybody wants to cross. We don’t want much stress. That’s why we are crossing with our legs. The government made the bridge for our safety. It is not that the government is wrong. They made it for our own safety, but everybody wants to cross fast.

Pedestrians interviewed attributed their reluctance to use the bridges to several factors. Mariam Okoro, a resident of Isolo, explained that the bridges are often too far from their intended crossing points, and the effort required to climb the stairs is a deterrent. "Some people, you know, in Nigeria, we need anything fast lane, fast track. Everybody wants to cross. We don’t want much stress. That’s why we are crossing with our legs," she said, acknowledging that the bridges are indeed for safety.

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The bridge is good; nothing is wrong with it. Some people will use the bridge to cross, but others prefer crossing the road.

Concerns about security and maintenance also contribute to the underutilization of these facilities. A member of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), speaking anonymously, noted that some residents avoid using the bridges at night due to inadequate security, with no guards present to deter potential thieves. While the bridge structures themselves are reportedly in good condition, issues like non-functioning lights and occasional dirtiness and unpleasant odors were also mentioned, despite daily cleaning efforts.

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The lights here are not working. It’s just for decoration, if I must say.

Enforcement by KAI officials, who periodically arrest pedestrians for jaywalking, has proven insufficient to curb the practice. The dangerous habit continues, highlighting a disconnect between the provision of safety infrastructure and its adoption by the public, driven by convenience, perceived distance, and lingering concerns about the bridges' usability and safety, especially after dark.

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It’s dirty and smelly sometimes. That’s why we send people away from the bridge. We sweep it every day.