In Nigeria today, the shrill wail of sirens has become less a call for urgency and more a symbol of impunity, arrogance, and lawlessness. Once meant solely for emergencies and essential government services, sirens now blare across the roads for all the wrong reasons — disturbing the peace, endangering lives, and eroding public order.

It is not uncommon to see non-government, non-emergency, and unauthorised vehicles recklessly using sirens. Politicians, business moguls, traditional rulers, and even private escorts now deploy them at will, often to clear traffic or announce their arrival in self-importance. What should be a tool for saving lives has become a weapon of intimidation.

Yet, the law is unambiguous. Section 154 (Part XIV) of the National Road Traffic Regulations (2012, as amended) clearly stipulates who may legally use sirens: government security and rescue vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, civil defence, and other emergency services. But widespread corruption, indiscipline, and weak enforcement have rendered this regulation almost meaningless. Those charged with upholding the law now look the other way — or worse, participate in the abuse themselves.

The consequences are grave. The reckless blaring of sirens in non-emergency situations not only creates unnecessary panic and traffic chaos but also desensitises the public to real emergencies. When every “VIP” convoy sounds like an ambulance, how do ordinary citizens know when someone’s life is truly at risk? This erosion of public trust endangers everyone — from accident victims waiting for rescue to patients in need of emergency care.

We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and state traffic management agencies to take decisive action. In many civilised societies, siren abuse attracts stiff penalties, including fines, seizure of vehicles, and public sanctions. Nigeria must follow suit. The law must be enforced — not selectively, but universally.

There are good examples to emulate. During his tenure as Governor of Lagos State (2007–2015), Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) banned the indiscriminate use of sirens and led by example — his own convoy never used one. His leadership showed that discipline and respect for order can come from the top. Citizens quickly noticed violators, and the culture of intimidation on Lagos roads declined significantly.

Nigeria’s journey toward a more civil, lawful, and egalitarian society must include symbolic yet powerful steps such as ending siren abuse. It is through these small acts of accountability that nations build respect for the rule of law.

It is time to return the siren to its rightful purpose — to save lives, not inflate egos. Let it once again be the sound of urgency, not arrogance.