The Work Commute: Walking the Tightrope Between Life and Death

The simple act of going to work feels like surviving a gauntlet, and the numbers bear this out. Globally, 1.3 million people die in road accidents each year, and in Nigeria, over 39,800 of those deaths hit closer to home. For the average worker facing this chaos 220 to 260 days a year, the question is glaring: how much longer can this risk-filled routine continue? ?

When the Journey Becomes the Battleground

In Lagos, the country’s economic nerve center, every day begins with a fight—against time, traffic, and the city’s chaotic transportation system. For residents of Ikorodu, the quickest route to the city is often across the lagoon. But this means hopping onto rickety wooden boats with questionable maintenance histories. Life jackets? Optional. Engine failure? A frequent occurrence. Every ride comes with silent prayers that the day’s headlines won’t feature their names. ?

And then there are the roads. For millions, the morning commute is a danfo ride away- signature yellow buses that defy every rule of safety and sanity. With barely functioning brakes, impatient drivers, and a vehicle exterior that seems to be held together by duct tape and hope, it’s less a ride and more of a gamble. ?

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Road safety is no minor issue. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria recorded over 11,800 road accidents in 2022 alone. That’s more than 30 crashes daily. Add Lagos’s infamous “go-slows,” poorly maintained roads, and reckless driving habits, and it’s clear why every workday commute feels like a roll of the dice. For many Nigerians, the road isn’t just a path to the office—it’s a minefield. ?

Why Remote Work is More Than a Luxury?

Around the world, remote and hybrid work models are not just trends—they’re lifesaving solutions. These models gained traction during the pandemic, proving that productivity doesn’t need to be tethered to a desk. But in Nigeria, many organizations have resisted the shift, clinging to traditional structures that prioritize physical presence over flexibility. ?

For roles that don’t require hands-on engagement, this insistence feels misplaced—especially when the daily commute comes with such high risks. Embracing remote work isn’t just about catching up with global standards; it’s about valuing human lives over outdated notions of professionalism. ?

The Cost of Ignoring the Problem

For employers, there’s a hidden cost to ignoring the dangers of commuting: lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and employee burnout. A stressed, injured, or grieving worker isn’t an efficient one. Beyond the human toll, companies lose money when employees are consistently late or, worse, unable to work due to avoidable accidents. ?

Rethinking Work

Nigeria’s transportation challenges aren’t disappearing overnight, but companies can take proactive steps to mitigate risks. Remote work options, flexible hours to avoid peak traffic, and subsidized transportation for staff are practical, lifesaving interventions. ?

Ultimately, the daily commute shouldn’t feel like an audition for Fast & Furious. It’s time to make work safer, smarter, and more humane—for the sake of every worker navigating Nigeria’s treacherous roads and waters just to make a living. ?

And so, a prayer to keep our lives intact: May ends meet without putting our lives at stake. [Amen]