Lagosians and residents of Lagos State experienced an unprecedented traffic gridlock on Friday, December 20, 2024, leaving virtually every major road in the state completely congested. The standstill forced many commuters to abandon their vehicles and trek long distances.
The traffic jam affected key areas, including Berger, Ikeja, Ojota, Oyingbo, Iyana Oworo, and Lagos Island, with overcrowded walkways as pedestrians struggled to navigate their way. Passengers moved shoulder-to-shoulder, further emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Ibrahim Taofeek Kegbegbe, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Merit Newspaper, shared his ordeal during the gridlock. “I left the Nigerian Institute of Journalism at Ogba around 2:30 PM. As of 8:40 PM, I was still in the car at Lekki Phase 1,” he recounted.
Kegbegbe explained that Google Maps directed him to alternative routes due to heavy traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge. “I had to go through Ojota to Oyingbo, then Idumota, and finally Marina before linking CMS. It took us five hours to get from Idumota to Marina, and we finally reached Lekki Phase 2 via Falomo Bridge at exactly 9:10 PM,” he added.
Transport fares soared as commuters struggled to move through the chaos. “At CMS, shuttle buses heading to Adeola Odeku in Victoria Island charged ₦1,500 instead of the usual ₦500. Buses going to Ajah demanded ₦3,000 instead of ₦800,” Kegbegbe revealed.
The traffic situation left many trekking home. Mrs. Shadia Ayeniromo, seen walking towards Ijora, said, “I left Tom Jones Street but had to start trekking because all buses were trapped in the traffic.”
Speculations about the cause of the gridlock varied. A tricycle operator, Mr. Shuaib Muhammed, claimed the congestion was due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Lagos Central Mosque for Jumu’ah prayers. Another commercial bus driver, Mr. Romeo Kenneth, echoed this sentiment but admitted he was unsure of the president’s exact destination.
Others attributed the gridlock to Christmas shopping. Mrs. Moriam Akin-Osho, a fashion designer, said, “I left Idumagbo Market at 11 AM and only got to my shop in Jakande Estate, Lekki, at 6:02 PM.”
Similarly, Mr. Stephen Akan, a chef at a popular hotel in Lagos Island, expressed his frustration. “I left my home in Ketu at 1 PM and didn’t get to Falomo until 7 PM,” he said, adding that transport fares had doubled, with buses charging ₦2,000 for a journey from Falomo to Ajah.
The gridlock left civil servants, traders, and other commuters stranded across the state, with many lamenting the lack of proactive traffic management. Calls have intensified for the Lagos State government to investigate the root cause of the congestion and implement measures to prevent a recurrence, especially as the festive season peaks.
While some blamed the presidential visit and festive activities, others suggested that social events and increased vehicle activity across Lagos contributed to the traffic chaos. Regardless of the cause, the gridlock highlights the urgent need for better traffic management and infrastructure improvements in Lagos State.
