The issue of traffic congestion in Lagos has become a thorn in the flesh of every Lagosian, causing great damage to personal and professional lives. Most workers wake up early, trying to beat the traffic, but still suffer the fate of getting stuck in traffic for hours, missing deadlines and appointments, and ending up having an unproductive day. So what can be done to mitigate this problem?

The Third Mainland Bridge Holdup Wahala

The traffic situation in Lagos is at its peak, especially on the Third Mainland Bridge, causing havoc and significant losses to businesses. The Third Mainland Bridge, as the name implies, connects Lagos Island to the mainland and is the busiest route in Lagos, with about 250,000 vehicles passing daily. Unfortunately, maintenance work on the bridge has caused disruption in traffic flow leading to significant holdups and delays, which translate to a loss of valuable time for businesses.

Nighttime Traffic and the Menace of Robbery

The problem of traffic congestion is not only limited to the daytime but extends to nighttime. Commuters returning from work at odd hours are at high risk of being victims of robbery attacks. Thieves take advantage of the gridlock to rob commuters of their hard-earned money or properties, causing more harm and frustration. The security of workers is in jeopardy, businesses suffer losses, and the government needs to take action.

Lagos State Government’s Efforts So Far

The Lagos state government has initiated several measures to address the problem of traffic congestion in the city. The introduction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) was a significant step towards reducing traffic on the roads. The state government also partnered with the private sector to provide carpooling services for workers, which is an excellent alternative to reduce traffic congestion.

It’s time for businesses and individuals to be proactive in addressing traffic congestion in Lagos. Companies can adopt flexible work hours, allowing employees to come to work outside rush hours. Individuals can take advantage of carpooling services, use public transportation, or opt for remote working, as the case may be. The government also needs to invest in more infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion, add more lanes or diversions, build more flyovers, and improve existing public transport systems.