Laws for Pedestrians in Nigeria

45% of pedestrian accidents on Lagos roads happen because drivers break traffic laws. These are traffic offenses like one-way driving, exceeding the maximum speed limit, and more.

Many pedestrians are not aware of the laws that guide their behavior on the road. This is because the emphasis is often not placed on pedestrians to abide by the road laws that apply to them.

In Nigeria, the laws governing pedestrian safety are primarily covered by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act 2007 and the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012. These laws are designed to ensure the safety of pedestrians and reduce the number of accidents involving them.

Some of the key provisions of pedestrian laws in Nigeria include:

• Pedestrians must always use designated crossings such as zebra crossings, footbridges, or pedestrian bridges when available.

• Pedestrians must not cross a road at a point where there is no designated crossing or pedestrian bridge.

• Pedestrians must always walk on the sidewalk or pedestrian walkway when available. If there is no sidewalk, they should walk as close to the edge of the road as possible, facing oncoming traffic.

• Pedestrians must obey traffic lights and other traffic signals, such as “walk” and “don’t walk” signs.

• Pedestrians must not obstruct the free flow of traffic on the road.

• Drivers are required to give way to pedestrians at designated crossings. They must not drive in a manner that endangers pedestrians.

• Children, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities have special protection under the law. Drivers must exercise extra care when driving near them.

Violating these laws can result in fines or other penalties, and in some cases, criminal charges. It is important for both pedestrians and drivers to be aware of these laws and follow them. It ensures the safety of everyone on the road.