A recent study by the Danne Institute for Research revealed that Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, faces an annual loss of about N4 trillion due to severe traffic congestion.
Titled ‘Behavioural Causes of Traffic Congestion in Lagos’ and funded by the Bank of Industry and Africa Finance Corporation, the study stresses the urgent need for action to mitigate the significant economic and social impact.
Presented in Lagos on Wednesday, the report, as stated by Franca Ovadje, the Executive Director of the Danne Institute for Research, highlighted the detrimental effect of this loss, which could otherwise be directed towards critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The study attributes the primary causes of traffic congestion to behavioral factors such as poor road infrastructure, traffic law violations, activities of agberos at bus stops, and issues with passenger pick-ups by buses.
Ovadje pointed out that despite Lagos’ population of 21 million, its productivity is hindered by the profound impact of traffic jams on daily life. The report suggests that in developing countries, doubling the population should ideally lead to a 5 to 6 per cent growth in productivity.
Those surveyed, who identified traffic congestion as their major challenge, proposed solutions focusing on road construction, maintenance, and repairs, alongside advocating for a ban on agberos and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
The report urges government authorities to prioritize these recommendations to boost productivity, attract investments, and significantly increase internally generated revenue through improved law enforcement.
Furthermore, the report highlights that Lagos residents spend an average of 2.21 hours commuting daily, with 45 percent enduring more than two hours of commute time.
“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,” the report noted.
As the Lagos State Government nears completion of the Lekki Coastal Road Construction, the report emphasizes the need for continuous efforts to avert additional traffic challenges.
It recommends imposing stringent penalties and ramping up the presence of traffic management officials like LASTMA, police, and even soldiers to efficiently handle traffic congestion.
The report concludes by advocating for a comprehensive initiative to combat touts and corrupt traffic wardens, aiming to reinstate discipline and organization on Lagos roads. This action is deemed crucial for reshaping the city into a livable and thriving metropolis.
