The experience of Mr. Stanley Onyeocha sheds stark light on the dangerous consequences of buying used and retreaded car tyres in Nigeria.
His near-fatal accident, after somersaulting severally , caused by tyre failure on the road to Onitsha from Owerri, highlights a growing public safety concern that deserves urgent attention.
Retreaded tyres, often sourced from local workshops and sold as cheaper alternatives, are perilously unreliable due to weak bonding, worn tread patterns, and poor heat resistance.
These defects significantly increase the risk of tyre blowouts and deadly crashes, turning every journey on such tyres into a potential death trap.
The appeal of used tyres, however, continues to drive their demand in markets like Daleko in Mushin, where unsuspecting buyers like Onyeocha are lured by the comparatively low prices without understanding the risks involved.
Many consumers remain unaware that these “tokunbo” or retreaded tyres do not offer the durability or safety of new tyres.
The lack of proper regulation and enforcement allows this silent but deadly industry to thrive, putting thousands of road users at risk.
Statistics from Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) underline the gravity of the situation. In September 2025 alone, the FRSC reported over 7,000 road crashes nationwide, resulting in nearly 4,000 deaths and more than 24,000 injuries.
Tyre failure is a leading contributor to these accidents, connecting the dots between the surge in used tyre sales and the growing rate of road traffic fatalities.
The FRSC’s warnings about the dangers of retreaded tyres have been consistent, yet compliance is still lacking on a wide scale.
Buying used tyres may initially seem economical, but the hidden costs are often devastating. Tyres with worn treads provide inadequate grip on wet roads, increasing the chances of skidding and loss of vehicle control.
Heat resistance is crucial for tyres, especially during long journeys or in hot climates, and when compromised, it can lead to rapid tyre degradation and sudden bursts.
The structural weakness caused by poor bonding in retreaded tyres makes them prone to catastrophic failure under stress, often causing accidents with severe injuries or fatalities.
Onyeocha’s story should serve as a wake-up call about the human cost behind cheap retreaded tyres flooding Nigerian roads. His trauma and loss reflect the countless untold stories of families disrupted by accidents caused by substandard tyres.
More regulation is desperately needed to protect citizens from these dangers. The Nigerian government must prioritize enforcing bans on retreaded and unapproved used tyres, intensify inspections in tyre markets, and ensure accountability for sellers supplying faulty products.
It is imperative for the government to create awareness campaigns alongside stricter legal measures to discourage the use of fake or expired tyres.
Consumers need education about the severe risks of retreaded tyres and how to identify genuine, safe alternatives.
Support for local tyre manufacturers and affordable tyre financing options could also reduce reliance on cheaper but dangerous imports.
The ongoing loss of lives on Nigerian roads cannot be ignored. A multi-sectoral approach involving the FRSC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders must work cohesively to halt this trend.
Safety should never be sacrificed for cost savings on vehicle maintenance essentials like tyres.
Mr. Onyeocha’s narrow escape stands as a reminder that every tyre purchase is a matter of life and death.
The government and the public must act swiftly to tackle the spate of fake and retreaded tyres on Nigerian roads to save lives and prevent further tragedy.