Infostride News recently published a comprehensive study conducted by the Danne Institute for Research, revealing that Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial hub, is hemorrhaging a staggering N4tn annually due to severe traffic congestion. The research, titled ‘Behavioural Causes of Traffic Congestion in Lagos,’ was generously funded by the Bank of Industry and Africa Finance Corporation, emphasizing the imperative for prompt action to alleviate the substantial economic and social toll exacted by the city’s gridlock.
This insightful report was formally presented in Lagos on a Wednesday, shedding light on the critical need for immediate intervention to redirect these colossal losses toward essential sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Franca Ovadje, the Executive Director of the Danne Institute for Research, underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the massive financial drain could otherwise be channeled into areas crucial for societal advancement.
The report pinpoints behavioral factors as the primary culprits behind the chronic traffic congestion in Lagos. These include substandard road infrastructure, rampant violations of traffic laws, the disruptive activities of agberos at bus stops, and the inefficient process of buses picking up passengers. Ovadje emphasized that despite Lagos boasting a population of 21 million, this demographic strength is not translating into corresponding productivity due to the debilitating impact of daily traffic jams on the city’s residents.

According to the report, a doubling of the population in developing countries is expected to result in a 5 to 6 percent growth in productivity. However, the current state of affairs in Lagos indicates a stark deviation from this potential, with the stifling traffic conditions hindering the realization of the city’s full economic and social capabilities.
The respondents of the study, who identified traffic congestion as their foremost challenge, proposed solutions that predominantly focus on road construction, repairs, and maintenance. Additionally, they advocated for a ban on agberos and the rigorous enforcement of traffic laws. In an effort to address these concerns, the report calls upon government authorities to prioritize these recommendations. The aim is not only to enhance productivity but also to attract investments and generate substantial internally generated revenue through more stringent law enforcement measures.
One of the alarming statistics brought to light by the report is that Lagosians spend an average of 2.21 hours commuting daily, with a significant 45 percent enduring more than two hours of travel time. Areas such as Ajah, Etiosa, and Apapa are particularly burdened by these prolonged commutes, prompting the report to suggest urgent measures such as nighttime road construction, the creation of alternative routes during construction, and the strict enforcement of traffic laws to mitigate these challenges.
As the Lagos State Government concludes works on the Lekki Coastal Road Construction, the report advocates for sustained efforts to prevent the escalation of traffic woes in the city. It specifically calls for the implementation of strict penalties and an increased deployment of traffic management officials, including LASTMA, police, and even soldiers, to effectively manage traffic and ensure compliance with regulations.
The report concludes by urging a comprehensive campaign against touts and corrupt traffic wardens to restore discipline and order to Lagos roads. This, the report asserts, is essential for transforming the city into a more livable and prosperous metropolis, aligning with the broader vision for Lagos as a hub of economic growth and development.
Looking ahead, the report paints a dire picture if the current trajectory of traffic congestion in Lagos remains unaddressed. Citing a statement by Taiwo Salaam, former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, the report highlights that if the traffic congestion persists until 2030, the city stands to lose as much as $21bn every month. This projection underscores the urgency and magnitude of the issue at hand, emphasizing the critical need for swift and effective measures to reshape the future trajectory of Lagos and safeguard its economic potential.
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