A senior British journalist has delivered a mixed verdict on the state of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the site where two friends of world champion boxer Anthony Joshua tragically lost their lives.
Paradox of a Modern Highway
Nick Pisa, a Senior Reporter with the UK's DailyMail, visited Nigeria to report on the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. Upon inspecting the expressway, he was notably impressed by the physical infrastructure. Pisa explicitly stated that the smooth, pothole-free surface of the road was "something that the Highways England would be very proud of." This remark highlights a significant upgrade in the road's condition, which has long been a subject of public concern.
A Culture of Recklessness and Missing Safeguards
However, Pisa's report quickly shifted to a stark critique of the road safety environment. He observed a dangerous driving culture and poor safety management that starkly contrasted the quality of the tarmac. "The driving discipline here is absolutely atrocious," he reported, citing instances of vehicles being overtaken and undertaken recklessly.
He further detailed numerous violations: speed limits being flouted repeatedly, overloaded cars and trucks, and even vehicles driving the wrong way on the hard shoulder. Pisa also pointed out critical infrastructural failures, noting a lack of proper road signs and an absence of speed monitoring systems. He described pedestrians attempting to cross the highway as "literally taking their lives into their hands."
The Tragic Incident That Prompted the Visit
The journalist's visit was prompted by a devastating crash that occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025. On that day, a Lexus vehicle carrying associates of Anthony Joshua collided with a stationary truck along the expressway. Sadly, two of Joshua's friends died in the accident. The incident cast a national spotlight on the persistent dangers of Nigerian roads, even those that have seen substantial physical improvement.
Pisa's report underscores a crucial national issue: infrastructure investment alone cannot guarantee safety. It must be coupled with strict enforcement of traffic laws, effective public education, and a cultural shift towards responsible driving. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as described, stands as a symbol of both progress and peril.
