Comments on: Nigerians and Crash Helmets

By: Bike Helmets in Nigeria | Paradoxoff Planet from North Carolina, United States

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:52:55 +0000

[...] This January Nigerian authorities have enforced bikers and their passengers to wear helmets while riding a motorbike. Since the low standards of living and the terrible traffic jams in Nigerian capital Lagos making motorcycles the most popular vehicle, the new regulations have affected really a lot of people. And a lion’s share of them (oh, forgive me such choice of words) just can’t afford a brand new US$100 helmet. So they have to improvise. Photos by Oluniyi David Ajao. [...]

By: David Lovell from Solihull, United Kingdom

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:20:47 +0000

If the locals cannot afford a proper crash helmet then why not start to import used but not damaged crash helmets from elsewhere? I have two old but undamaged (just worn inners etc.) that I am loathe to throw away when they can still be used effectively. It is recommended that helmets are replaced every 5/6 yrs (at least in the UK) so I have. What to do with 2 helmets?

By: Another Headache For Lagos « Black Century from Texas, United States

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:30:54 +0000

[...] (from Paradox Off Planet This January Nigerian authorities have enforced bikers and their passengers to wear helmets while riding a motorbike. Since the low standards of living and the terrible traffic jams in Nigerian capital Lagos making motorcycles the most popular vehicle, the new regulations have affected really a lot of people. And a lion’s share of them (oh, forgive me such choice of words) just can’t afford a brand new US$100 helmet. So they have to improvise. Photos by Oluniyi David Ajao. [...]

By: Rollins- Dtech Web Group from Greater Accra, Ghana

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:10:41 +0000

“The Law” was originally intended to protect the citizenry, and not punish them. In most parts of Africa, the average citizen seems to believe the contrary. Just ask the average motorist about their perception of the Police force for instance, and hear what they have to say- You would most likely get a stern lecture on bribery and corruption.

We live in human societies, and all humans have a psyche. Ancient philosophers believed that if one was able to harness the psyche of another individual, they could bend their will to suite their purpose. The FRSC (and all other Law Making and Enforcement Agencies for that matter) needs to approach Law enforcement from a different perspective- they should rather focus more on the “education” aspect of it, rather than the punitive.

Stipulating laws, without following up with the right amount of education- especially in this part of the world- will surely get you nowhere. Some would argue that the essence of some dictates are straightforward, and do not require education, but the images above clearly suggest otherwise.

It is easy to make someone change a bad habit against their will, but if they do not understand the purpose, they would surely return to it (especially when your not looking- lol)

P/s: I completely agree with you on this one David- It is is rather appalling to find that in this day and age, people still believe (and spread) such stories(disappearance). But one would understand that, judging from our history.

By: izu mou from Delta, Nigeria

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:46:18 +0000

Many guys here in Onitsha taught it is an iron cap desingned to cost them some cash.May God help my country people.

By: Oluniyi David Ajao from Ghana

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:12:42 +0000

I insist that people disappearing for wearing a crash helmet is arrant nonsense. If it’s reality, kindly bring forth the evidence.

By: jj from Nigeria

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:44:13 +0000

I am concerned on the hygiene aspect of using helmets.Some of the helmets can be very dirty.This calls for serious concern.I think it better while using the helmet to do any of the following;
1.use a large handkerchef
2.Wear a shower cap or tie a scarf (mostly would favour ladies) and for guys wear a cap( face cap or other variants)
3.Buy your personal helmet
As for me I have bought a personal one and also have some round shaped facecaps I now use since it is not easy carrying the cap everywhere.

By: Nigerian Entrepreneur from Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:51:46 +0000

This is hilarious and pathetic at the same time. It simply shows that the average okada operator lacks understanding of why the government insist they must use crash helmet.

As for the fear of “African Voodoo” you may consider it nonsensical as much as you like, but sadly in Nigeria it is part of the reality on ground. Happy New Year!

By: imnakoya from Minnesota, United States

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:43:44 +0000

Thanks for posting on this and adding the pictures! Images do speak way louder than words!

I have blogged on this topic as well, on Grandiose Parlor. From what I can see, the authorities have clearly failed in their quest to enforce crash helmets for the bikers.

The use of plastic buckets, pumpkins shell, calabash and construction helmets is both hilarious and tragic at the same time.

The barriers facing the intervention are clear – cost of helmets and cultural beliefs. These must be tackled reasonably — they are not “nonsensical”, but real issues needing addressing. This is not the kind of stuff that works well via executive fiat as it’s being done.

By: Classifieds Ghana from London, United Kingdom

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:42:57 +0000

The ‘Okada’ craze is also affecting moto drivers in Cameroon.

A recent gov’t communiqué stipulated that :

okada drivers must now were helmets, together with their passengers;
their okadas must be painted yellow;

This is going to be a big blow for what is serving as a job for many of the unemployed, especially in the town of Douala.