Costs Of Convoys

I am not about to discuss economic issues but a “common sense” approach like Ben Murray may as well force some economic reasoning into this subject matter. Not just the economic considerations but also safety and security concerns will be raised in discussing this topic. Name calling will be ruled out because it is an issue which almost every Nigerian would want to indulge in if the opportunity presents itself.

CONVOY

My fellow Nigerians, while I was heading to the Ikeja office of Jumia on Tuesday 26th January, I almost got run over by 5 unmarked SUVs on high speed with no regards for traffic regulations or safety of other road users. Some months back, we heard about a federal lawmaker who’s convoy flouted traffic rules and caused an accident and despite the fact that he built a “world class” medical facility in his state while he was a chief executive, he nevertheless trusted the creation of his own hands but chose to go abroad for slight bruises. Other victims of this avoidable incidents were left at the mercy of our medicare.

The cost of moving in convoy is exorbitant and a waste of resources; the costs involved in the purchase of fuel for all the vehicles, the allowances for all members of staff involved, the loss of man-hours, the denial of adequate security services to the populace for the benefit of a few, the wanton destruction of lives and properties, and many others should be enough reason why public officers and in some instances rich and powerful Nigerians should have a rethink before their next outing with long convoys.

In as much as we understand the deplorable security situation in the country, it is not out of place to state that ‘as much as supply creates its own demand’so does the activities of these powerful few create tension amongst the ‘not haves’ and the lust for power and affluence will push them into unconventional means of achieving such ‘luxury’. When a rich man in the midst of the poor tries to empower as many people as possible to become self-dependent, he has created the best form of security for himself. Even if you have to use a convoy, make it as minimal as possible and please obey all traffic rules.

Another instance that comes to mind is the death of an ASUU activist who lost his life due to the same convoy menace of an ex-governor who recently handed over. Incidents like this abounds but the stories never come out due to the personalities involved. The costs of these to our country are huge and complex but the solution is so simple.

I might not have discussed it extensively but I hope I was able to put my point across to someone who’s about to step into the long convoy of cars. The environment is another factor to consider if all other reasons adduced are of no consequence to your conscience. I rest my case.

Contributions, comments and rejoinders are welcome.