Lagos State is notorious for its traffic gridlock. Known to be the 6th largest economy in Africa, with over 20 million people, the Lagos traffic is majorly caused by so many cars on the roads from private cars, commercial buses (Danfo), taxis, the Keke NAPEP (tricycles), and motorcycles (Okada).
Traffic congestion costs the economy of Lagos billions of naira daily.
Due to an unmet demand for traffic, it faces a major obstacle in the suppressed productivity of its residents and skilled labour force caused by constant traffic and poor road networks.
The 6.39 million employed in Lagos spend an average of 2.21 hours in traffic daily losing the equivalent of N1,1180 per hour in wages or N17m daily, according to Danne Institute for Research.
Long commutes between where Lagosians live and work are the cause of unending traffic jams. Every day 8 million people move about in five million cars on a network of 9,204 roads between the mainland and the island in Nigeria’s smallest state in terms of landmass.
Federick Oladehinde, the former Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State said that Lagos residents and businesses are struggling with productivity due to issues related to mobility which is limiting the economic prospects of the state, adding that half of the people in Lagos state spend approximately 40 percent of their income on transport-related expenses.
Here are 10 tips on how to survive and deal with Lagos Traffic:
How to Survive Lagos Traffic in 2025
I. Make sure to leave home early
This is how the traffic has defined the life of many Lagosians. The routine is to leave early and arrive late to avoid and survive the gridlock. I would advise you to set and be halfway through your destination before 6:30 AM or before 5:30 PM in the Evening.
II. Always listen to Lagos traffic radio programs
The Lagos State Government on May 29, 2012, launched the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM to give Lagosians situation reports on traffic.
It offers information on alternative routes and locations where the gridlock is worse. They work in conjunction with the Lagos State Road Maintenance Agency (LASMA) and it is a reliable platform to get traffic information.
A great tip is to always keep up to date with popular social events that happen in areas you are driving to each day.
For example, People living around the Ojodu Berger area always prepare for heavy traffic caused by the Mountain of Fire Ministry (MFM) and the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) Church on a Specific Friday of every month that makes the Lagos Ibadan Expressway traffic gets blocked.
Then the Access Bank Annual Marathon in Victoria Island /Ikoyi Route must also be noted by people going to the Island on such a period that Saturday morning.
III. Plan to live closer to your workplace
If you can afford to rent a house or apartment closer to your office, where you work daily or spend a huge chunk of your time. It will reduce the daily stress of long hold-ups daily.
IV. Always wind up your car windows
This is a safety tip to ward off the popular snatch-and-run thieves. Lagos traffic jams are the perfect cover for a lot of pickpockets who pretend to be beggars or street hawkers.
V. Turn Traffic Time into Learning Time
If you are not driving, this is a perfect time to read books and learn new skills via an online course. For those driving you can listen to audiobooks, YouTube, and podcasts on Learning New knowledge online.
VI. You don’t always need to drive
Most times, deciding to take public transport on some occasions is one of the best ways you can beat the Lagos traffic. For example, those who have the luxury of BRT buses around where they reside can decide to use those buses which gives some level of comfort at the same time.
Taking the seaways like boat rides to the Ikorodu axis or from CMS to the Mainland axis etc Make sure you have your life Jacket on for safety purposes on Boat rides.
Taking Uber or Bolt is another viable option for those who can afford it. To reduce the fare, you can decide to order Uber jointly with your colleagues at the office and share the bills collectively to reduce costs individually.
You can also take the train – for a more comfortable and faster commute. For movement within Lagos, you can use the Lagos Rail Mass Transit – which includes the Blue Line, Purple Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Yellow Line, and the Red Line. Each of these rail lines services different locations. Click here to see which one going your way. Alternatively, if you’re going outside the Lagos-Ibadan axis, then you can take the NRC Lagos-Ibadan train service.
VII. Get insights from Google Map
Google Maps gives you a bird’s-eye view of the current traffic build-up along your route. This is very important, because it gives you the luxery of knowing the times of day and week when traffic is at its peak – thereby helping you plan your movement the right way.
VIII. Monitor the traffic situation on social media
There are some Twitter handles like LagosTrafficReport – that provide authentic Lagos traffic updates daily, follow them, and monitor their tweets religiously. With these updates, you can map out your routes. Other accounts include: LASTMA and Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM
IX. Shake your head to the melodious tune of your music player
When you’re stuck in Lagos traffic, staring at the unending line of vehicles in front of you to move forward, you can always occupy your mind with music while you wait. Great music will soothe you and reduce the mental stress you go through in traffic.
X. Make use of Tech when necessary
Since after the Covid, a lot of offices started implemeting the work from home program. And not just offices, even churches, seminars, and conferences now has the option of people joining online if they can’t physically be available.
So, to save you a lot of traffic wahala, and especially if your physical presence is not needed, first check if your office can give your the grace of working some days from home, and for churches, seminars, workshops, etc – also check if there’s an option of joining from home.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Lagos traffic can sometimes be scary and tiresome. But with some thoughtful strategy and plans, you can successfully survive and deal with the traffic situations to some extent. And you can get started today by trying any of the 10 tips listed above.
Credit: This post was first published by Dr. Laide Okubena - A Real Estate consultant in Lagos State.
