Traffic gridlock costs big, and cost more, if not tackled
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and richest state by internally generated revenue (IGR), loses N4 trillion yearly to traffic congestion which reduces to snail speed the movement of residents, goods, and services that run its economy.
The finding came from Danne Institute for Research (DIR) in a study titled “Behavioural Causes of Traffic Congestion in Lagos”, funded by the Bank of Industry (BoI) and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).
It highlights the need for immediate action to alleviate the economic and social toll of traffic jams.
DIR Executive Director Franca Ovadje said the huge loss could be directed to fund vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The report identifies behavioral factors as the primary causes, including poor road infrastructure, violation of traffic laws, activities of agberos (touts) at bus stops, and buses picking up and dropping off passengers outside bus stops.
Ovadje explained the Lagos population of 21 million does not fully translate into corresponding productivity due to the crippling impact of traffic jams on daily life.
The report suggests doubling population in developing countries should result in a 5 to 6 per cent growth in productivity.
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Residents name traffic jam as greatest challenge
Survey respondents named traffic congestion as their top challenge and proposed solutions that focus on road construction, repairs, maintenance, a ban on agberos, and stringent enforcement of traffic laws, according to The PUNCH.
The report
- Advised government authorities to prioritise these recommendations to enhance productivity, attract investment, and generate more IGR through law enforcement.
- Noted Lagosians spend an average 2.21 hours commuting daily, with 45 per cent spending more than two hours.
“Areas like Ajah, Etiosa, and Apapa bear the brunt, necessitating urgent measures such as nighttime road construction, creation of alternative routes during construction, and strict enforcement of traffic laws,” it added.
The report also
- Advocates for initiatives to prevent further tailbacks as the government completes construction of the Lekki Coastal Road.
- Seeks strict penalties and increase in the deployment of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials, police, and soldiers for effective traffic management.
- Urges a comprehensive campaign against touts and corrupt traffic wardens to restore discipline and order to Lagos roads, to help transform the city into a livable and prosperous place.
Former state Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Taiwo Salaam had warned in 2022 that if the traffic congestion in the densely populated Lagos is not tackled by 2030, the city is estimated to lose $21 billion monthly.
