Overloading is Going Extreme in Nigeria

Vehicle Overloading

Going by history, the first car had only one seat (for the driver). When cars were considered safe to use, the number of seats were increased to accommodate passengers. The number of seats vary according to the make and model of the car but typically; a car has just enough seats to accommodate five people (the driver and four passengers). 

Like has been discovered by studies, poverty influences the thinking and psychology of people. When the first cars came into Nigeria, they were used for just the purpose they were meant for and according to the manual, but gradually, things began to change. Whether blamed on poverty or greed, it was and still is pathetic.

The back seat of a typical car was made for a maximum of three people. In Nigeria, commercial motorists insisted and still insist on carrying four passengers at the back to maximize profit. If some passengers agree to carry other passengers on their laps, some drivers won’t bother carrying five and above in a space that was meant for just three.

The next phase of the madness saw the passenger seat (the seat by the side of the driver’s seat) which is meant for one person become a seat for two people no matter their body sizes.

The third phase of the madness was unprecedented but quite unfortunate. It showed how lowly man could think of his fellow man. It showed how deep poverty and greed has cut into the lives of some Nigerians. Motorists began to carry passengers in the boot (trunk) of their vehicles, a place that was meant for animals and lifeless objects.

Brothers and sisters, fellow and dear Nigerians we are witnessing now is what can (for now) be called the craziest madness yet. Even the driver’s seat has been compromised. We now have drivers sharing the driver’s seat with a passenger. 

A car that was meant for five people now carries as many as eight people and might even carry more.

I often run out of words as regards who to blame for this development; the motorists, the passengers or the government. Someone has to be blamed because this is highly deleterious and it is on the verge of becoming the paradigmatic arrangement in the Nigerian transport industry.

In northern Nigeria, it is normal for people to blame the repercussions of their stupidity on destiny hence, it is common to hear both drivers and passengers justifying this trend.

Experts and common observers have long identified overloading as a major cause of auto-crashes (even when the driver’s movements are not hindered). This new trend will only make our roads deadlier.

Now, we really need to answer this question; who is to blame?

The motorists: If we blame the motorist, some will argue that the motorists are just trying to make a living as the country’s economy continues to bite.

The passengers: Some blame the passengers pointing out the fact that the passengers agree with the arrangement since it enables them pay less. So the greed and ignorance of the passengers is a contributing factor. Passengers who refuse the arrangement are usually left standing alone by other passengers, they are forced to alight, and there is almost always another passenger to take his place.

The government: Majority have blamed it all on the financial hardship and poor leadership in the country stressing that if the country was focused, it would have invested in the transport industry (road, rail and air). This would have given commuters more options. 

Extortion of motorists by military and paramilitary outfits in the Nigeria is also a major factor behind motorists trying to maximize their profit by any means necessary. Also, motorists exceeding the loading limits ply roads with heavy law enforcement agents’ presence and obviously, all they do is ‘settle’ and pass.

What ever be the case, Northern Drivers Are Going Mad.