Shaffy Bello on Road Trips in Nigeria: Safety, Infrastructure, and Personal Choice

Introduction

Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has recently sparked a nationwide conversation regarding travel preferences within Nigeria. In a candid interview with media personality VJ Adams, the veteran screen star revealed a strict personal policy against road travel, particularly beyond the Lagos-Ibadan corridor. Her statement highlights a growing concern shared by many Nigerian citizens regarding the state of road infrastructure and personal safety.

This article analyzes the context of Shaffy Bello’s statements, explores the underlying issues of Nigerian transportation infrastructure, and provides a pedagogical overview of the safety realities that influence high-profile travel decisions. We will examine why a celebrated actress prefers air and marine transport, the social implications of her choices, and the broader economic and infrastructural challenges facing Nigerian highways.

Key Points

Background

The Celebrity Perspective on Travel

Shaffy Bello is a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, known for her roles in Nollywood films and her commanding screen presence. As a public figure, her lifestyle choices often reflect broader societal trends or highlight specific infrastructural deficits. Her admission to VJ Adams that she avoids road trips is not merely a personal quirk but a reflection of the security concerns facing prominent individuals and ordinary citizens alike.

The Interview Context

The revelation came during a conversation with VJ Adams, a popular media host known for engaging celebrities on lifestyle and personal habits. When discussing her travel preferences, Bello drew a sharp distinction between her experiences in Nigeria and her travels abroad. She noted that while she enjoys road trips in other countries, the Nigerian context requires a different approach to mobility and safety management.

Analysis

Infrastructural Deficits and Road Safety

Shaffy Bello’s reluctance to travel by road is symptomatic of the challenges plaguing Nigerian highways. The Lagos-Ibadan expressway, despite ongoing renovations, remains notorious for heavy traffic congestion and accidents. For a celebrity accustomed to the efficiency of air travel, the time lost in gridlock and the physical risks associated with poorly maintained roads are significant deterrents.

Furthermore, the psychological toll of road travel in Nigeria cannot be overstated. The fear of “one-chance” operators (criminals who hijack taxis or commercial vehicles), kidnapping for ransom, and armed robbery on inter-state highways has created a culture of fear around long-distance road travel. Bello’s statement, “Once it is farther than Ibadan, count me out,” serves as a quantitative measure of this anxiety.

The Shift to Air and Marine Transport

By preferring air and marine transport, Shaffy Bello aligns herself with a growing demographic of Nigerian travelers who prioritize safety and time efficiency over the lower costs of road travel. Domestic flights in Nigeria have seen a surge in demand despite rising ticket prices, driven largely by the need to bypass the dangers of highway travel. Similarly, marine travel (such as boat rides from Lagos to various destinations) offers an alternative, though it comes with its own set of safety regulations and infrastructure requirements.

Social Isolation and Lifestyle Constraints

One of the more nuanced aspects of Bello’s disclosure is the impact on her social life. She admitted that her aversion has led to a form of social filtering: “Everybody knows me now, they go, ‘Don’t invite her, she won’t come.’” This highlights how infrastructural failures trickle down into personal relationships. When the basic infrastructure of a nation is unreliable, citizens—regardless of status—must make trade-offs between social participation and personal safety.

Practical Advice

How to Navigate Nigerian Highways Safely

For those who cannot avoid road travel, adhering to safety protocols is essential. While Shaffy Bello opts for alternatives, here are practical steps for safe road travel in Nigeria:

• Travel During Daylight: Most security experts advise restricting long-distance travel to daylight hours (typically 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to maximize visibility and reduce the risk of ambush.
• Verify Routes: Before traveling, check social media updates or local news for current reports on roadblocks, protests, or security incidents along your intended route.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition. Breakdowns in remote areas are security risks. Check tires, brakes, and fuel levels before departure.
• Convoy Travel: If possible, travel in a convoy. There is safety in numbers, and criminals are less likely to target a group of vehicles.
• Communication: Keep multiple communication channels open. Have a charged phone, a power bank, and consider satellite phones for areas with poor network coverage.

Alternative Transportation Modes

If road travel is untenable, consider the alternatives mentioned by Bello:

• Domestic Flights: Major carriers like Air Peace, Dana Air, and United Nigeria Airlines connect Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities. This is the safest and fastest option for long distances.
• Rail Transport:</h2 The Lagos-Ibadan rail line offers a reliable alternative to the road, removing the stress of traffic and significantly lowering security risks.
• Marine Transport: For coastal travel, ferries and speedboats can be viable options, provided you use reputable operators with life-saving equipment.

FAQ

Conclusion

Shaffy Bello’s admission that she “does not do highway journeys in Nigeria” is more than a celebrity soundbite; it is a stark commentary on the state of Nigerian infrastructure and security. Her preference for air and marine travel underscores a lack of confidence in the safety and reliability of the country’s road networks.

While her status allows her to bypass these challenges, her experience mirrors the anxieties of millions of Nigerians. As the nation continues to grapple with security challenges and infrastructural decay, the choices made by public figures like Bello serve as a reminder of the urgent need for improved transportation networks. Until then, personal risk assessment—like Bello’s strict “Lagos-Ibadan only” rule—remains a necessary survival strategy.

Sources

• Daily Post Nigeria. (2025). I do not do highway journeys in Nigeria – Shaffy Bello. Retrieved from dailypost.ng
• Interview with VJ Adams (Date of Publication: 2025-12-31).