Prominent Nigerian actress and activist, Kate Henshaw, has voiced significant concerns regarding Nigeria's traffic regulations and pedestrian policies, contrasting them with those in more developed nations.

In a recent interview on News Central TV, Henshaw highlighted the chaos and lack of respect for pedestrians in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for reform. “Traveling to various parts of the world can provide valuable insights into how different societies operate. It demonstrates that orderliness is a mindset that can be adopted,” she remarked, underscoring the necessity of recognizing how other countries prioritize pedestrian rights.

She further noted, “In developed nations, pedestrians hold considerable power, unlike here, where those not driving are often treated as invisible.”

Citing the Nigerian Highway Code, Henshaw expressed her astonishment at the gap between the laws on paper and the actual practices observed.

She pointed out that the code asserts pedestrians have the right of way upon entering a crosswalk, yet the reality is starkly different. “I assert that this is a complete myth. Pedestrians have no rights and are even challenged to step on the worn zebra crossings if they dare. In other countries, both pedestrians and animals are afforded respect,” she stated.

Henshaw also recounted a personal experience from her trip to Canada, where traffic lights malfunctioned. Despite the issue, drivers at each intersection took turns, allowing two cars to pass at a time without any need for traffic control.

“No traffic warden was needed to manage the situation. Why should we behave as if chaos is our natural state?” Henshaw questioned, noting that such orderly conduct is a stark contrast to the conditions she observes on Nigerian roads.