If you live in Lagos, you already know that traffic, or “go-slow” as it is mostly called, is a part of everyday life in Nigeria’s commercial City. Whether you’re heading to work as early as 4 am on the mainland or returning home from the island, navigating the city’s chaotic roads can be exhausting and frustrating, with every driver in a hurry to overtake the other, causing a more chaotic scene. Sometimes, a trip that should take 30 minutes can turn into a 3-hour ordeal, especially during rush hour, rainfall, or unexpected roadblocks.
If you’ve ever spent three hours in go-slow to move from Lekki to Yaba, only to reach your destination and realize you forgot your wallet at home, then welcome, you’re a certified Lagosian.
Lagos traffic isn’t just traffic. It’s a full-blown experience. It’s heat, horn, hunger, noise, small chops, gospel preaching, and even side-eye from fellow passengers, all in one sitting. But don’t worry, letridendrive got survival tips (and real gist) for making it through this daily hustle.
1. Plan ahead with traffic apps and common sense
Smart planning can help you navigate Nigerian roads more efficiently. Use traffic apps like Google Maps and Waze to check real-time traffic conditions and find alternative routes to avoid heavy congestion.
Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM is another great resource, providing frequent updates on major roads and incidents that could affect your journey. Before heading out, take a moment to study your route, check for road closures or construction and have at least two backup routes in mind, so you’re never caught off guard by unexpected delays.
This doesn’t only apply to car owners, even public commuters can adopt this pattern.
2. Choose better transportation
For smarter transportation choices, consider options that can save you time and reduce congestion. BRT buses, which have dedicated lanes, often move faster than private cars during rush hour, though arriving early at terminals is essential during peak periods.
Ferries provide an excellent alternative for those commuting between the Island and Mainland, such as Ikorodu to CMS, potentially cutting hours off travel time. Carpooling or ride-sharing with colleagues and friends can help minimize traffic by reducing the number of cars on the road.
Meanwhile, Okadas and Keke Napep, though banned in some areas, remain useful for navigating tight spaces in less restricted zones, but safety and legality should always be considered.
3. Know when to move – The right timing
Timing is everything when navigating Nigerian roads. Morning rush (6:30 AM – 10:00 AM) and evening rush (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM) bring heavy traffic, so if possible, travel outside these hours to avoid frustration.
Leaving for work earlier, around 5:30 AM, or returning much later can help you skip the worst of the jams. While weekends generally have lighter traffic, areas around markets, churches, or major events can still get crowded, so plan accordingly.
4. You must be mentally and physically prepared
In Lagos traffic you will surely meet someone from an unhappy home whose mission that day is to also make another human not happy, so being mentally and physically prepared can make commuting in Nigeria less stressful. Always pack essentials like water, snacks, and a power bank or phone charger—you never know when unexpected traffic will keep you on the road longer than planned.
Entertainment is a lifesaver, too; downloading podcasts, audiobooks, or music playlists can make the wait feel much shorter.
Most importantly, patience is key. Lagos traffic will test your nerves, but staying calm is your best bet; honking or shouting won’t clear the road any faster.
5. Consider working remotely (If you can)
If your job allows it, even one or two days of working from home can save you from the stress and fuel costs of daily traffic.
Lagos traffic isn’t going away anytime soon, but with the right mindset and planning, you can reduce the stress, save time, and maybe even enjoy the ride once in a while. As Lagosians say, “no let traffic carry your destiny oo!”
