Nigeria has the largest road network in West Africa. According to the Government Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Nigeria has about 195,000 km of road network of which about 60,000 km are paved (2019). 

Most of the major road networks were constructed in the 80s and early 90s. As a result of poor maintenance and low-quality materials used for repairs, the condition of roads is deteriorating. Travelling is very difficult, and sometimes almost impossible in many areas on secondary roads during the raining season due to potholes and eroded, uneven surfaces.    

Nigeria’s most important highways run from South to North and were designed to bring produce from the hinterlands to the coast for export and to link the economies of old Northern and Southern Nigeria. These highways are labelled the A1, A2, A3 and A4. All other major roads in the country originate from these four. 

In its 2018 budget the Government allocated N295 billion ($ 819mil) for road capital works and maintenance so there are ongoing programs to upgrade and maintain these main thoroughfares.   

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Nigeria Government Contact List

Distance Matrix 

Source: www.distance-cities.com 

Source: www.distancesfrom.com 

Road Security 

There is a high level of insecurity on Nigerian roads once outside metropolitan areas, with many reports of armed criminals stopping travellers resulting in robbery and kidnappings. The risk is particularly high after dark and on secondary roads where traffic is forced to slow down as a result of poor surface conditions.  

Local risk status should be checked with trusted official security forces before attempting road travel and armed escorts are required in many areas as a result of criminal activity.   

There is a constant risk of collision as a result of poor road conditions and repair works that result in traffic changing lanes without warning and turning single lane expressways into 2-way traffic at any time. 

Numerous police checkpoints can add considerably to travel times and all documentation relating to vehicles and passengers should be in order and carried to avoid further delays at these checkpoints. 

Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits 

It should be noted that weighbridges are rarely used and trucks are often overloaded.

Road Class and Surface Condition   

Trunk Road “A” 

Trunk Road “A” forms the skeleton of the national road grid. It cuts across regional boundaries in the country. This class of road is constructed, maintained and financed by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.   

Trunk Road “B”

Trunk Road “B” is the second category of main roads in Nigeria. It links the major cities within States. These roads are financed by the State governments. They are tarred roads.  

Trunk Road “C” 

Trunk Road “C” are local feeder roads constructed and maintained by the Works Department of local government authorities in Nigeria. This class of road is usually untarred and seasonal in nature.