DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK FOR EFFECTIVE ROAD SAFETY POLICY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of existing road safety policies and interventions in Nigeria,

identified key implementation challenges, and proposes a comprehensive framework to improve

road safety outcomes. Despite various initiatives, including the enforcement of traffic laws, public

awareness campaigns, infrastructural improvements, and the introduction of technological

innovations, road traffic crashes remain a critical public health and socio-economic issue in

Nigeria. The study utilized data from policy documents, government reports, and a structured

questionnaire administered to road users, which revealed systemic barriers such as corruption,

inadequate funding, poor coordination among agencies, infrastructural deficiencies, and limited public compliance. Findings indicate that while road safety policies have had moderate success, their impact has been hindered by enforcement inconsistencies, weak infrastructure, and a lack of sustained education and awareness efforts. Respondents highlighted the need for stronger enforcement, improved road infrastructure, and targeted education campaigns. Drawing on global best practices such as the Safe System Approach and Vision Zero, the study proposes a holistic, evidence-based framework tailored to Nigeria’s socio-economic and infrastructural realities. Key recommendations include enhancing road infrastructure, improving the transparency and capacity of traffic law enforcement, expanding culturally sensitive public education campaigns, integrating technology in traffic management, and strengthening post-crash emergency response systems.