Before 1972, drivers in Nigeria sat on the right side of the car, navigating roads that followed a right- hand driving system. This arrangement, however, changed dramatically in a single, strategic national decision that aligned Nigeria with regional and international trends. The change to left- hand drive, though complex and costly, was driven by practical, economic, and geopolitical reasons.

One of the key factors influencing this decision was Nigeria' s growing trade relationships with neighboring countries— many of which are former French colonies. These countries followed a left- hand driving system, creating a mismatch at border crossings. As trade and transport increased across West Africa, the divergence in driving patterns caused confusion and inefficiencies. Transitioning to left- hand driving allowed for smoother cross- border logistics and enhanced economic collaboration within the region.

Globally, left- hand driving is more prevalent than one might expect. While only about 30% of countries use the left- hand system— mainly due to British colonial influence— this accounts for nearly a quarter of the world' s road networks. In terms of landmass, about one- sixth of the Earth' s surface follows left- hand traffic. Interestingly, countries like France and the United States helped establish right- hand driving as the norm in other parts of the world, influenced by historical factors such as Napoleon' s military strategies and wagon design practicality.