Siren abuse has become a loud symbol of lawlessness on Nigerian roads. Vehicles not authorized by law—private cars, politicians’ convoys, traditional rulers, and even some business moguls—routinely use sirens to force their way through traffic, creating fear and confusion. These sirens, originally meant for emergencies, are now misused as tools for intimidation and self-importance.
According to the National Road Traffic Regulations (2012, Section 154), sirens are strictly reserved for a select group: emergency services like ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and certain government officials. But across the country, this rule is flouted daily. Convoys of non-emergency vehicles blast sirens to clear roads, disrupt traffic, and harass fellow road users. The presence of corruption and the so-called “big man” culture makes it easier for offenders to get away with these violations unchecked.
This growing trend doesn’t just disturb the peace. It also poses safety risks. People are now desensitized to sirens, making it harder to respond quickly to real emergencies. Some drivers and pedestrians ignore ambulances and fire trucks because they can’t tell the difference between a genuine emergency and a VIP show-off. The consequences can be fatal.
There was a time when leadership showed the way. Between 2007 and 2015, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola banned the use of sirens except for emergency vehicles. He practiced what he preached—his convoy never used a siren. It worked. The lawbreakers stood out. Citizens began to follow suit. Enforcement became easier.
Today, Nigeria needs that level of leadership again. The Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and state traffic agencies must take action. Proper enforcement of the law is not optional—it is urgent. Restoring sanity on the roads begins with ending siren abuse. This small but powerful step will remind everyone that no one is above the law. The siren should go back to what it was meant for—saving lives, not stroking egos.
