Lagos, a city where ambition takes the wheel, hustle fuels the engine and traffic…well, that’s the ultimate test drive. A wild ride that will undoubtedly leave you exhilarated, exhausted, and forever bonded to the city’s chaotic charm.
Its streets are like a waltz, a tango with time where a thousand honking horns decide the beat and patience truly becomes your partner.
Lagos traffic is a monster that may swallow both your schedule and your sanity if you’re not familiar with it. It’s a snarling giant. Do not be afraid, brave traveller! You do not have to fight this battle by yourself.
Here, we provide insider knowledge on the Lagos hustle, offering advice on how to get through traffic in the metropolis with style (and maybe a hint of humour!).
Imagine this: You’re crammed into a rickety bus, the air thick with the scent of exhaust and hope. Outside, a ballet of dented bumpers and frustrated drivers unfold right before everyone’s eyes.
Time stretches, each minute an eternity measured in honks and sighs. This, my dear friend, is the baptism by gridlock, the quintessential Lagos experience.
7 Ways to Cope with Lagos Traffic
As earlier mentioned, fret not, for within the chaos in Lagos traffic, lies a hidden order, a rhythm to be learned, a dance to be mastered.
Becoming a Master of the Early Bird
Hey! Let’s be blunt here; forget snooze buttons and just embrace the rooster’s crow. In Lagos, the early bird doesn’t just get the worm, they escape the clutches of rush hour. Always aim to be halfway through your journey by 6:30 AM or 5:30 PM, savouring the smooth flow of traffic before the city awakens or everyone returns from one activity or the other.
Tune into the Symphony of the Streets
96.1 FM, the Lagos Traffic Radio, inevitably becomes your lifeline. Listen for the dulcet tones of the traffic reports, the real-time updates on accidents, detours, and the ever-shifting dance of congestion. Be warned, the reports can be as colourful as the city itself, but they will help you navigate the chaos like a seasoned pro.
Embrace the Intimacy of Proximity
If feasible, do consider a love affair with a closer location. Living near your workplace becomes a shield against the daily grind, minimising your exposure to the traffic beast. Just think of the extra sleep, the saved sanity, and the newfound appreciation for an even shorter commute!
Craft Your Soundtrack to Survival
Let music be your chariot through the gridlock. You can curate a playlist that fuels your soul, a mix that uplifts and distracts. From Afrobeats to classical, you make your choice. Allow the rhythm to drown out the honking symphony and transport you to a world of your creation.
Boredom? Banish it!
Stocking your phone with an arsenal of entertainment will also do you a world of good. Dive into a captivating podcast, lose yourself in a thrilling audiobook, or binge-watch your favourite show. Turn those traffic jams into mini-vacations for your mind, emerging refreshed and prepared to conquer the city.
Snack Like a Champion
Hunger pangs are no match for a prepared warrior. Pack healthy snacks, granola bars, or juicy fruits to keep your energy levels up and your mood buoyant. Remember, a hangry Lagosian is a grumpy Lagosian, so fuel your body and your spirit!
Technology is Your Friend
It turns out that Google Maps may become your GPS guardian angel. Utilise its real-time traffic updates, explore alternate routes, and get accurate travel time estimates. Be a map maestro, navigate like a ninja, and outsmart the gridlock with the power of technology.
Conclusion
Do remember, dear traveller, patience is your ultimate weapon. Lagos traffic may prove to test your limits, but with these tips and a dash of humour, you will transform the daily grind into a dance. So, buckle up, put on your best traffic-facing smile, and embrace the Lagos shuffle. You’ve got this!
Click here to read: My Unforgettable Experience in Lagos, Centre of Excellence.
Researched by Adejoke Toye
