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 is the cause of unending traffic jams. Every day 8 million people move about in five million cars on a network to 9,204 roads between the mainland and island in Nigeria’s smallest state in terms of landmass.
Federick Oladehinde, 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 a few tips on how to survive and deal with Lagos Traffic:
1) 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.
2) 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 report 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 Island on such period that Saturday morning.
3) Plan to live closer to your workplace
If you can afford to rent a house or apartment closer to your office, where you work from daily or spend a huge chunk of your time. It will reduce the daily stress of long hold-ups daily.
4) 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.
5) Turn Traffic Time into Learning Time
If you are not driving, this is a perfect time to read books, learn new skills via an online course. For those driving you can listen to audiobooks, YouTube, and podcasts on Learning New knowledge online.
6) 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 Ikorodu axis or from CMS to 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.
7) Get insights from Google Map
Have an insight on when and where traffic builds up. It is very important to have a little knowledge of the times of day and week when traffic is at its peak this would go a long way.
8) Monitor the traffic situation on social media
There are some Twitter handles that provide authentic Lagos traffic updates daily, follow them, and monitor their tweets religiously. With these updates, you can map out your routes.
9) Shake your head to the melodious tune of your music player
When you’re stuck in Lagos traffic, staring in space while waiting for the 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.
10) Make use of Ai when necessary
For those Attending Workshops or a Seminar, You may decide to watch virtually/online from the comfort of your home.
Sometimes you can also work from Home, via your laptop or Smartphone – if your physical presence is not needed.
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.