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Why Nigeria switched the driver’s seat from right to left

Did you know that before 1972, Nigerian driver seats were on the right side of the vehicle?

However, in April 1972, under the leadership of Major-General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria made a dramatic shift in its transportation system, moving from right-hand to left-hand driving.

Factors influencing change:

1. Increased international trade

As Nigeria’s trade with surrounding countries, especially former French colonies, grew, right-hand driving proved troublesome. Drivers from these countries, who are accustomed to driving on the left, struggled to navigate Nigerian roadways. Switching to a left-hand drive enabled more efficient cross-border mobility and trade.

2. Globalisation

Left-hand driving is more common, accounting for around one-sixth of the world’s surface and affecting a quarter of its road networks. Furthermore, many major car manufacturers operate in countries with left-hand drives, which may have an impact on vehicle supply in Nigeria.

3. Alignment with regional trends

Several West African nations had previously adopted the left-hand drive, and Nigeria’s move was consistent with this regional trend, perhaps leading to deeper regional integration.

4. Challenges of transition

Converting the whole fleet of vehicles, including buses, taxis, and personal automobiles, was an expensive endeavour. This financial burden landed disproportionately on regular residents, raising questions about affordability. The changeover also influenced the domestic auto industry, which was previously designed to produce right-hand-drive automobiles.

To address these difficulties, the government implemented the following measures:

1. Providing incentives for local manufacturers to switch to left-hand-drive vehicles.

2. Allowing for a transition time during which right-hand-drive automobiles might continue to be legally driven on roads.

3. 30% of countries in the world, mostly in Europe, drive on the left (influenced mainly by historical factors) and 70% drive on the right (influenced by Napoleon, the US, and the practicality of waggons).

Ultimately, Nigeria’s transition to left-hand drive in 1972 was a momentous and challenging decision. Despite the limitations, it attempted to promote efficiency, safety, and regional connectivity.

 

Source: pulse.ng

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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