Well-known Nigerian actress and activist Kate Henshaw has criticised Nigeria’s traffic regulations and pedestrian policies, drawing comparisons to procedures in developed nations.
Henshaw emphasised the need for development during a recent interview on News Central TV, highlighting Nigeria’s lack of orderliness and respect for pedestrians.
“It is advisable to travel the world or to as many places as one can afford, to see how others function in their societies. To see how orderliness can indeed be a mindset that must be imbibed,” Henshaw stated, highlighting the importance of observing how societies abroad prioritize pedestrian rights.
She further pointed out, “One thing I have seen is the power of pedestrians in developed countries, as opposed to here, where if you’re not driving a car, you are considered persona non grata.”
Referencing the Nigerian Highway Code, Henshaw expressed her surprise over the disparity between written laws and the reality on the ground.
She explained that the highway code states that pedestrians have the right of way at a crossing once they step onto it, but in practice, this is far from true.
“I boldly state that this is a complete fallacy. The pedestrian has no right whatsoever and is even dared to step on the faded zebra stripes if they are so emboldened. Abroad, pedestrians and even animals are respected,” she said.
The actress further shared a personal experience from a visit to Canada, where traffic lights briefly malfunctioned.
Despite the situation, orderliness prevailed as drivers from each junction took turns, moving two cars at a time without any need for external intervention.
“No traffic warden stepped in to organise the people. Why behave like zoo’s should be our natural habitat?” Henshaw questioned, adding that such composure was starkly different from what she sees on Nigerian roads.
