Travel/Tourism
The Dangers of Long-distance Travel
Travelling far distances by car, bus, plane, or train is not always fun. Did you know it can even have a harmful impact on your health, too? Long-distance travel, especially by car, taxi, or bus, can increase the risk of blood clot formation, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
In many instances, people sit still in cramped and confined conditions for hours when they’re travelling a far way. But warns Dr Helen Okoye, a medical expert and spokesperson for the World Thrombosis Day (WTD) campaign, prolonged periods of inactivity can be dangerous.
“When our bodies are in a static position for a lengthy period, our blood circulation slows down, leading to poor circulation and blood pooling in the lower extremities of your body. This can lead to a DVT, where a blood clot forms in your calves,” says Dr Okoye. If this clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism (PE).
If the vehicle you’re travelling in is packed with passengers, there may be no room to stretch your legs out. The driver may also be on a tight schedule, meaning limited bathroom stops and opportunities to stretch your legs during the trip.
Dr Okoye cautions that constricted seating that leads to passengers sitting in one position for a long time reduces blood flow and increases the risk of clot formation. “When your legs remain still for hours, your calf muscles don’t contract, which normally helps the blood circulate,” she says.
Who is at risk?
Although prolonged immobility is bad for everyone, specific factors could raise the risk even more. Individuals with a history of blood clotting disorders, who are elderly or obese, who have recently had surgery, or who have a leg cast with limited mobility are at a higher risk. Pregnancy, or three months after giving birth, places women at a higher chance of getting a thrombosis, too.
“Going back home after giving birth or having had surgery so that loved ones can take care of you is understandable, but be aware of the thrombosis risk that comes with long-distance travelling,” says Dr Okoye.
If you have a history of blood clotting disorders, she advises that you consult with your healthcare provider before travelling. In some cases, you might be prescribed blood-thinning medication to reduce the risk. You could also consider wearing graduated compression stockings to help improve blood circulation.
Before your trip
Prior to your trip, engage in regular physical activity to improve overall circulation and strengthen your muscles. Maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid excessive salt intake, as it can contribute to fluid retention. Smoking can also increase the risk of blood clot formation, so it’s best to avoid it before and during your travel.
During the trip
Having to cope with tight legroom and restricted movement is tricky, but there are preventive measures to take.
“Hot, dry weather and inadequate fluid intake during travel can lead to dehydration, which can thicken the blood and contribute to clot formation. Drink plenty of water during your trip to avoid dehydration and maintain proper blood viscosity. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake, as they can contribute to dehydration,” says Dr Okoye.
“Wear loose-fitting clothing and stay as active as possible. Move your legs frequently, flex your ankles and knees, and take short walks whenever possible. In a bus, consider standing up and stretching in the aisle. Adjust your seating position regularly to improve circulation, and use pillows or cushions to provide support and comfort,” she advises.
Remove your shoes and, if possible, elevate your legs periodically to reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Avoid crossing your legs – this can impede blood flow, so keep your legs uncrossed while seated. When you do stop for a break, stretch your body, and walk around for a bit before you sit down again.
Warning signs
According to the WTD campaign, one in four people in the world is dying from conditions caused by thrombosis, but knowing blood clot signs and symptoms can help you spot or prevent blood clots. The most common symptoms of DVT in long-distance travel are usually swelling or pain in the leg or arm, skin that is warm and tender to touch, or redness of the skin.
Remember that these preventive measures are general recommendations and may not be suitable for everyone, says Dr Okoye. ”If you have specific health concerns or conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on a trip to find out if you are at risk of getting blood clots and if it is safe for you to travel a long distance.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to introduce V-Pass, a biometric facial recognition system designed to make passenger processing faster, safer and more seamless across its domestic airports.
According to FAAN, the new technology will allow passengers to verify their identities through facial recognition after a one-time enrolment, reducing reliance on physical identification documents and shortening queues through automated electronic gates.
The authority said the system is expected to enhance airport security while improving the overall travel experience for domestic passengers.
FAAN added that V-Pass has been developed with data privacy at its core and is compliant with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
The agency described the initiative as part of its commitment to delivering smarter, technology-driven airport services and said nationwide sensitisation and rollout updates would be announced in due course.
Airports in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates already deploy facial recognition technology for processes such as check-in, security screening, immigration and boarding, so the move also aligns Nigeria’s aviation sector with a growing global trend towards contactless travel.
These systems have been adopted to improve operational efficiency, strengthen security and enhance the overall passenger experience.
For FAAN, the deployment of V-Pass forms part of its broader digital transformation agenda aimed at modernising airport operations and accommodating rising passenger traffic.
Experts say that beyond improving convenience, the authority expects the biometric platform to strengthen identity verification, reduce the risk of impersonation and support more efficient airport security, while maintaining compliance with data protection.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About 14.12 per cent stake in Ikeja Hotel Plc has been acquired by Honeywell Group Limited, a notice on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has revealed.
Honeywell Group took up the part of the hospitality firm through one of its affiliates known as HGL Real Estate Limited.
Ikeja Hotel, in the disclosure filed with the NGX on July 2, 2026, said the stake comprised 305,323,525 units of its equities.
“Ikeja Hotel hereby notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the general public that it has received notification from HGL Real Estate Limited, an affiliate of Honeywell Group Limited, that it has acquired 305,323,525 units of Ikeja Hotel Plc’s shares, representing 14.12 per cent shareholding in the company,” the notice stated.
Ikeja Hotel is one of Nigeria’s leading hospitality investment and hotel management companies with premium hospitality assets.
It operates two leading hospitality organisations in Lagos, the Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Balmoral Convention Centre.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
About 10 hospitality establishments, including hotels and restaurants, were sealed on Wednesday by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).
The affected businesses are located in different locations in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the metropolis, Business Post learned from a statement from the agency.
It was stated that they were sealed by LASEPA for persistent violations of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings, abatement notices, and several opportunities to comply with the agency’s directives.
According to the notice, the enforcement exercise was carried out in line with the directives of the Lagos State government to ensure strict compliance with environmental laws and to safeguard public health.
The affected facilities were said to have breached various environmental regulations, including noise pollution, air pollution, unlawful discharge of untreated effluent, obstruction of official duties, among others.
LASEPA closed the premises of Granduer Meridian at Obasa Akiniyi Street, Oluwaga, Ipaja for non-compliance with the agency’s directives; Lasola (Spazio Bar), located on Ipaja Road, Fatolu Bus Stop, Ipaja, was sealed for noise pollution and non-compliance with directives; Millennium Restaurant, located at Gate Bus Stop, Ipaja, Ayobo, was shut down for non-compliance with directives; O2 Exquisite Suites & Tower on Jimoh Akinremi Street, Jimoh Bus Stop, Akowonjo, was sealed for non-compliance with directives; and Chirozz Hotel & Suites, located on Samuel Street, Akowonjo, by Vulcanizer Bus Stop, Egbeda, was closed for noise pollution and non-compliance with directives.
In addition, House 7 Hotel, located at Remi Akande Street, Egbeda, was sealed for non-compliance with LASEPA’s directives; House 48 on Isiba Oluwo Street, Egbeda, was sealed for non-compliance with directives; Exclusive Hotel, located at Ishan Kimishe, Akesan Bus Stop, was shut down by non-compliance with directives; Sabola Ventures Limited, Iocated at Km 11, LASU–Isheri Road, Igando, was shut down for operating without evidence of an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), and discharging untreated effluent into public drains; and City Int’l Motel, located at Chief Olu-Adegbite Street, off Oladun Street, Council Bus Stop, Idimu, was sealed for non-compliance with directives.
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