TRAFFIC RULES IN NIGERIA
INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITION
Ever since the 20th century, the use of cars and other mechanical means of transportation on land has become commonplace globally, in both industrialized countries and developing countries. This trend did not go without the rapid expansion of road networks across the globe; roads have become busier than ever.
Cars and other mechanical means of transportation via roads make commuting from one point to the other easier and faster, but this advantage is accompanied by an increase in the frequency of vehicular accidents that occur on the roads. In Nigeria, over 10,000 road accidents with over 5,000 casualties resulting in death occur every year. The busy nature of roads today, the commonplace of cars, the joint usage of roads by people in vehicles and pedestrians alike, the increased likelihood of accidents all necessitate the establishment of rules and regulations to ensure safety and control of all traffic on the roads.
All road users make up the definition of traffic, and this includes pedestrians, vehicles, ridden animals, and any form of conveyance.
WHAT ARE TRAFFIC RULES?
These are rules which guide and direct the movement of vehicles and other road users along the roads. These rules are laws that guide motorists and road users in order to ensure their safety and the smooth flow of traffic.
THE NIGERIAN HIGHWAY CODE
The Nigeria Highway Code is a set of principles, advises, rules, and regulations that governs road use. If followed, it will help you avoid road traffic offences in Nigeria. It contains traffic signs and signals, to help you know where to turn and where not to turn while driving. It applies to all road users including Pedestrians. It offers a guideline for safe use of the road. Nigeria’s first indigenous Highway code was introduced in 1972 with the latest revision commissioned in 2021.
The code consists of three parts which includes Pre-Road Use Activities, Road Use Activities and Post-Road Use Activities. The Part One describes the road and categories of road users, the procedures for qualifying for drivers license and vehicle registration and several causes of road crashes. Part Two describes how to drive safely as well as defensively and several road signs, signals and markings. Part three describes the responsibilities of parties in the event of road crashes and traffic offences
The Code also contains several warning signs and illustrations to communicate several situations on the road and promote safe driving and also information for learner drivers to make planning and taking the drivers test easy.
TRAFFIC RULES FOR MORORCYLISTS IN NIGERIA
Before You Ride: ensure that your motorcycle is in good working condition, paying attention to the brakes, tyres, clutch and throttle, trafficators, mirrors, horn, headlamps and rear lights.
Riders Protection:
Wear smart and bright coloured clothing.
Avoid flowing and flimsy garments, and slippers as they are not particularly protective.
Protect your head with safety helmet, thick gloves and riding boots properly fastened even on short trips, as it increases your chances of surviving a crash.
Do not weave or meander along the roads.
Do not squeeze between vehicles.
Glance behind, do not start off, make turns or pull up without first glancing behind to see that it is safe.
Give clear signal and in good time, of your intention to pull out.
Do not carry more than one passenger on your motorcycle.
Never carry outsized objects or people with outsized objects.
Check traffic on both ways. using your mirror and glancing over your shoulder before you reach your turn off.
Signal your intention in good time, and as soon as it is safe, take up position to turn, especially when making a left turn, a Make sure your is on, all the time, plus hand signals if possible. before making a turn.
Make sure your indicator is on, all the time, plus hand signals if possible. before making a turn. 
Make your left turn when it is safe to do so.
Avoid staying where motorists may not see you.
Avoid that spot where you cannot make eye contact with the motorist. If you cannot see his eyes, he may not be able to see you.
At bends, blind intersections. emerging between vehicles or from side road, and at the brow of a hill. always position yourself in a manner that you can see approaching traffic and be seen.
You must not follow closely, or squeeze in between vehicles.
Always apply the 'two seconds' rule and when necessary use common sense modifications; the three or four seconds rule.
Do not ride too close to the sides of other vehicles. Doors may be opened, extended mirrors may take a swipe, or a vehicle may swerve.
TRAFFIC RULES FOR PEDESTRIANS IN NIGERIA
A pedestrian is a person who is walking on the road especially in an area also used by vehicles. Drivers share the road with many other road users among whom are pedestrians who are part of exposed road users. Generally there are three types of pedestrians most often involved in road traffic crashes: children, the elderly and adults under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Pedestrian protection involves:
Use of pavement or suitable foot paths where provided.
Walk on the left side of the road facing on-coming traffic, where footpaths are not provided.
While walking in the dark, wear or carry white, bright coloured or reflective clothing as you can be easily seen in them.
While walking in a group, keep to the extreme right of the road.
At night, the person in front should wear a reflective clothing.
Traffic drill: before you cross a road, stop, hold hands, look left, right and look left again. When the road is clear, walk directly and quickly across but keep looking out. Do not run because you may trip over and fall.
Crossing point: you are to use pedestrian crossing, central islands, traffic lights, subways, or foot bridges where provided. Where they are not provided, step onto the road slowly, making sure you can see both ways clearly and that you can be seen.
Do not cross the road between or in front of parked vehicles because drivers on the road may not be able to see you.
At a one way street: Before crossing a one-way street with traffic going only in one direction, do your traffic drill.
Where there is an island on the road, cross first to the island. Wait there until the second half of the road clears and then finish crossing.
At night: cross the road near lighted area so that you can be seen especially if there is no convenient pedestrian crossing.
At Guard Rails: Do not cross the road where there are guardrails or other preventive fences to stop you.
Pedestrian Crossing: you have NO right of way at a pedestrian crossing or Zebra Crossing until you have Stepped on it. Even then ensure no vehicle is coming. When you do, traffic should give way to you. Do your traffic drill before you start to cross, exercise caution.
TRAFFIC RULES FOR DRIVERS IN NIGERIA
Don’t Use Your Mobile Phone While Driving.
Always Use Your Seat Belt.
Lights and Reflectors Must be in Good Condition.
Avoid Roads Designated as 'One Way' or 'No Entry'
Always Obey Speed-Limits.
Don’t Drive Without a Driver’s License/Learner’s Permit.
Watch Out For Drivers On the Road.
Keep a Safe Distance from the vehicle ahead.
Never Break Red Signal.
Maintain lane discipline.
DRIVER’S LICENSE IN NIGERIA
A driver’s license is a form that allows a driver the authorization to make use of cars and vehicles in the country. To process your driver’s license in Nigeria, it takes up to 60 days and 48 hours for express procurement.
A driver’s license verification is essential to avoid paying for a fake card and avoid being embarrassed by the police or FRSC. Validation of your card also helps a lot in cases of unwanted incidents. To verify a driver’s license in Nigeria, you need to find the official website of the Federal Road Safety Commission, then follow the procedure to check whether your license is available in their database or not.
In Nigeria, the Driver’s License price varies based on the driver’s license renewal and the ways of getting it. A driver’s license for five years costs 10,450 nairas while one for three years costs 6,500 nairas.

Written by: Akanmu Adeola, Maximilian Anyika, Ade-Adeleye Esther, Deborah Shomuyiwa, Okewusu Kikelomo, and Monsurah Ahmad.