My advocacy has always been for Lagos to build sidewalks — not for decoration, but for survival. For our children, our elderly, our differently-abled, and even for fit- looking adults like me, who would love to complete their 10,000 daily steps
AS someone who has spent years preaching the gospel of pedestrian-friendly cities — sidewalks, crosswalks, actual respect for human life; I didn’t expect Lagos to test my faith so violently this December. But Lagos is a city of equal opportunity suffering. Nobody is above being nearly knocked into their destiny.
On this fateful day, all I wanted was to walk the short distance from Ajele Street, where I parked my car, to the Federal Fire Service office on Campos Street, Lagos Island. A simple stroll. A normal human activity. Something people in other countries do without writing epistles or emergency prayers.
But Lagos said “not on my watch.”
First, the streets were flooded… not with water, but with school children. Hundreds of them pouring onto the road with the kind of joy and innocence Lagos is determined to crush. No sidewalks, no buffers, no lollipop men, just small bodies navigating impatient drivers, and hyperactive Keke riders.
As I approached the gate, minding my pedestrian business, a Suzuki hailing cab appeared from nowhere, … because in Lagos, cars don’t appear from somewhere. They materialize.
With the speed not meant for such a crowded street, the car whipped past me, its side mirror slapping my ankle as if to remind me:
“My friend, who told you to walk in Lagos?”
The driver did not stop.
He did not slow down.
He did not even acknowledge that he had just attempted to end my Pedestrian career! … God forbid bad thing!
He maintained his speed and disappeared, probably on his way to almost hit someone else.
At that moment, I finally understood the tragic stories I had heard over the years: pedestrians mistaken for “objects,” students hit on their way home, Lagosians forced to walk facing traffic because the city planners apparently forgot that legs still exist.
For a split second, my spirit left my body, looked down at me, shook its head, and said,
“So this is how advocacy could turn to something sinister?”
But my God intervened…I thank Him most profusely
And also thank my reflexes.
My advocacy has always been for Lagos to build sidewalks — not for decoration, but for survival. For our children, our elderly, our differently-abled, and even for fit- looking adults like me, who would love to complete their 10,000 daily steps.
Let me give you a joke, but it happened in real life, though; When the planners of my neighbourhood designed the estate, it was not fashionable to have sidewalks. It was created in reverse proportion to road reservations. Our roads are 12m wide, whereas the walkways are under a metre wide. Just enough for 1 person at a time…so with your toddler he has to walk in front you as there’s no space besides you…no wonder when our early settlers moved in, they did not realize it’s use and ended up planting palm trees to christen it Palm Avenue!
So today, with renewed energy and a near victim of my advocacy, I repeat my message:
Sidewalks are not a luxury. They are life support.
Lagos must stop treating pedestrians like moving inconveniences.
A city that cannot protect the people who move on foot is not a city — it’s a motorized jungle with better tailoring…
Until then, dear Lagosians, if you must walk, walk with prayer. Walk with courage.
And most importantly: walk with eyes in front… and at the back , and please walk facing the traffic.
Moral of the Satire
▪︎Roads are built first for people on foot, before cars.
▪︎Pedestrian walkways must be wide enough for at least 2 people walking side by side.
▪︎ Sidewalks must be accessible- including for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
▪︎A pedestrian-friendly city is an inclusive city: for the young, the elderly, the able-bodied, and the differently able.
▪︎If simple and basic infrastructure like sidewalks cannot be provided, expecting parks and trails is wishful thinking.
