5 Ways to Avoid Lagos Traffic

By: Claudia Nwankwo

Lagos Traffic

When you think of Lagos, traffic definitely comes to mind. The city is home to about 20 million Nigerians and faces many problems such as insecurity, pollution, infrastructure etc. and most notably, traffic! 

The roads are mostly narrow, poor drainage and heavy vehicular movement pose a big problem to mobility on a daily. Though the state government has a blueprint to turn Lagos into a mega city at the moment the city is not properly structured especially as regards roads which is indeed a major challenge.

Public transports in flooded part of Lagos

Road constructions are a regular sight in Lagos, slowing down movement and causing heavy traffic. Small issues such as no proper parking allotments, potholes, dysfunctional traffic lights, poor road markings/signs etc. contribute to the problems faced by road users in Lagos daily.

If you live/work in Lagos, here are 5 ways you can avoid traffic:

1. Leave Early

There are no guarantees when it comes to moving around in Lagos. It pays to leave early if you are serious about getting to your destination in good time. Lagos traffic can stretch a 30 minutes drive into a 3hours journey (I kid you not). Your best bet is to leave atleast 2hours early for your appointment or risk being late. For those who work in Lagos hitting the road before 5.30 am is most ideal. 3 minutes delay can ruin your entire movement.

2. Master the routes

Lagos my not have properly structured road networks but trust me, there are many routes to get to your destination. Apart from major roads and bridges there are in-routes that would take you to your destination. Find those shortcuts and use them. Some of the in-routes may not necessarily be shortcuts but better to make progress than be at a spot for hours.

3. Corporate with other commuters

You can help by leaving your car at home to reduce influx or by offering others a lift to de-congest junctions and bus-stops. Car pooling is something to explore, it saves a lot of traffic problems. Imagine 5 car owners in just one car! That would be less 4 cars on the road. Keep to road rules and think safety first.

4. Mind Your Business

Lagos people can look! If you stop to look for a minute, I stop, she stops, he stops boom! There would be traffic. Most times you find no cause at the end of the traffic, unnecessary slowing down is a major cause of traffic in Lagos. Don’t be a “Lagos looker” if you cannot help the situation (e.g accident, robbery) do not create a backlog, keep moving!

This video is a typical example of how traffic starts building up in Lagos. It takes 30 seconds.

5. Follow/Support the community

Do not constitute any kind of road nuisance. Check traffic update before leaving avoid getting stuck. There is traffic radio and traffic channels on social media that keeps you informed about traffic situation across the state of Lagos. Also, report traffic hazards such as drunk driving, over-speed, accidents etc. to constituted authorities for prompt action and share road situation report of your location to alert others.

Lagos traffic can be very unpredictable. Except you'd rather just stay at home sometimes, the only way to move around within short distance is by using 2-wheel or 3-wheel transport system. Other than that brace up for it!