British boxing superstar Anthony Joshua has been hospitalised following a serious car accident in Nigeria, which occurred on an expressway notoriously nicknamed the 'Highway of Death'. The crash, which involved Joshua's Lexus Jeep, resulted in two fatalities.
The Notorious 'Highway of Death': A Road Steeped in Tragedy
The accident took place on Nigeria's oldest expressway, a 127.6-kilometre artery commissioned in August 1978 under General Olusegun Obasanjo's military administration. This vital route connects the Lagos port to the country's northern, southern, and eastern regions, handling a staggering 250,000 Passenger Car Units daily, making it one of Africa's busiest roads.
Despite ongoing reconstruction efforts that began in 2013 under President Goodluck Jonathan, the highway maintains a grim reputation. Recent data from the Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Bureau of Statistics paints a harrowing picture. In a 27-month period between 2023 and early 2025, approximately 645 people lost their lives on this stretch, with a further 3,964 injured.
Shocking Safety Statistics and Human Cost
The danger persists despite infrastructure upgrades. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 73 people died in 175 recorded crashes. February 2025 was the deadliest month, with 30 fatalities. Alarmingly, while the total number of accidents saw a slight decrease in 2025 compared to 2024, the severity—measured in deaths per crash—increased by over 8%.
Experts point to a deadly combination of factors. The improved road surface is paradoxically linked to overspeeding, while driver exhaustion and the use of psychotropic substances by long-distance drivers are major contributors. Many fatal incidents involve 'lone' crashes where vehicles lose control, or collisions with poorly maintained or illegally parked articulated trucks.
Road Reconstruction and Future Plans
The long-delayed reconstruction project reached roughly 94% completion on major sections by late 2023. In a significant shift, recent phases have moved from traditional asphalt to reinforced concrete pavement, which the Ministry of Works claims will extend the road's lifespan to 100 years.
As of late 2025, the Nigerian government has approved over ₦43 billion for Phase II, Section II to complete remaining underpasses, ramps, and concrete pavements, aiming to finally tame this deadly route.
The world of boxing now awaits further updates on Anthony Joshua's condition following this terrifying incident on one of the world's most dangerous roads.
