Three individuals suffered different levels of injury late Tuesday night following a collision involving a heavy-duty trailer, a Toyota Camry, and a Lexus vehicle on the busy Lagos-Badagry Expressway. The incident, which drew the attention of both local commuters and safety officials, raises renewed concern about the risks associated with Nigeria’s major highways and the urgent need for stronger road safety measures.
William Manga, Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), addressed the situation during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry. Manga confirmed that the collision took place near the Agbo-Malu axis in the Age-Mowo area, an often congested segment of the expressway infamous for accidents due to heavy traffic and frequent driver fatigue.
According to the FRSC’s report, the accident occurred at approximately 11:36 p.m., disrupting travel plans for both private motorists and commercial drivers who use the Lagos-Badagry Expressway—a vital link not only for Nigerians but also for goods and commuters between Nigeria and neighbouring West African nations, including Benin and Togo.
“Our personnel were alerted about the accident at about 11:42 p.m, and we got to the scene at 11:52 p.m., arriving just 10 minutes after the alert,” Manga recounted. He emphasised that rapid response is critical for reducing fatalities and providing timely medical care to the injured.
“The accident involved three vehicles,” the commander stated, explaining the severity of the multi-vehicle crash and the complexity facing first responders in such situations.
Detailed accounts from the scene reveal that the incident involved a Renault trailer (bearing registration number BK 672 RB and reportedly travelling from Badagry), a Toyota Camry (with the registration number JJJ 574 JP), and a Lexus car (which, at the time of reporting, had no license plate visible). According to initial FRSC findings, five people were inside these vehicles at the time of the crash.
“Five persons were involved in the accident but three of them sustained varying degrees of injury,” Manga added, noting the relief that fatalities were, in this instance, avoided—a point underscored by those familiar with the expressway’s dangerous reputation.
The injured were immediately rushed to the Lagos State Mobile Clinic for emergency medical treatment. Officials stated that prompt intervention was likely key to preventing more severe outcomes, an effort often endangered by Lagos’ notorious road congestion and the lack of rapid ambulance access, especially during late-night hours.
When addressing the cause of the collision, Manga attributed the crash to loss of vehicle control and a lack of driver concentration. These factors are, unfortunately, all too common on Nigeria’s highways, where long-distance truck drivers and private motorists alike can struggle with fatigue, poor visibility, and roadway distractions. According to the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety, Nigeria is among the African nations with the highest rates of road traffic crashes, with human error often cited as a chief culprit.
Thankfully, all three vehicles were quickly removed from the expressway, helping to restore the flow of traffic and prevent further incidents. However, local witnesses told NAN that serious jams and delays persisted for several hours, with commercial bus operators (known locally as danfo drivers) expressing frustration at the frequent hold-ups on this major arterial road.
The Lagos-Badagry Expressway is more than just a local road—it is a strategic economic corridor, supporting intra-regional commerce and serving as a principal route for ECOWAS trade. Frequent road accidents not only imperil lives but disrupt livelihoods, delaying critical deliveries of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and daily commuters traveling between Lagos and neighbouring states—or even national borders.
“This road is our lifeline for business,” said Taiye Salami, a trader based in Okokomaiko. “Whenever there’s an accident, it affects all of us—not just those involved. Deliveries are late, markets are disrupted, and passengers feel unsafe.”
Transport safety experts believe more investment in road infrastructure, enforcement of traffic rules, and continuous public awareness campaigns are needed to stem the tide of road crashes. According to Professor Nkemdilim Obikwelu, a transport policy analyst at the University of Lagos, “We need stricter checks on vehicle condition, mandatory driver rest periods—especially for heavy truck drivers—and the promotion of defensive driving skills for all motorists. Our aim must be zero fatalities on our roads.”
The government has recently pledged more funds for the ongoing expansion and rehabilitation of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, which many hope will reduce congestion and accident rates. At the same time, both FRSC and Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) have stepped up patrols and roadside checks in an effort to deter dangerous driving and ensure swift intervention in emergencies.
Across West Africa, the struggle with road traffic accidents remains significant. According to the African Development Bank, the region records some of the highest rates of accident-related injuries per capita in the world. Lessons from more developed transport corridors—such as those in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire—show that modern road design, clear signage, stringent enforcement, and robust public education campaigns can bring about meaningful progress.
In the words of road safety advocate Ngozi Chukwu, “Every journey should end safely, whether you’re a trader, a student, or just visiting family. It’s a collective responsibility—we need drivers, passengers, and law enforcement all working together to make that happen.”
As the people injured in Tuesday’s incident recover, community members, business owners, and everyday commuters are once again reminded of the fragility of life on Nigeria’s highways and the pressing need for road users to prioritise safety above all else.
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