Lagos traffic burden costs workers 30 hours every week

FOR many residents of Lagos trying to account for how their day disappears, a major factor is time spent on the road. A study by JCDecaux Grace Lake Nigeria reveals that commuters in the city spend an average of 30 hours each week stuck in traffic.

The research, which spanned 18 months, highlights how severe congestion is undermining productivity in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and Africa’s most populous city. It also ranks traffic as the second most frustrating issue for residents.

With a standard work schedule of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., totaling 40 hours weekly, the findings suggest that commuters are effectively spending about 75 percent of their total working hours navigating traffic to and from work.

Traffic congestion in Lagos has intensified in recent years due to factors such as poor road conditions, rising vehicle numbers, indiscipline among motorists, and bottlenecks around Apapa. The worsening situation has become a growing concern for both authorities and road users.

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In extreme cases, commuters spend more than three hours covering distances as short as 10 kilometres. What used to be isolated traffic hotspots has now evolved into widespread gridlock across the state, affecting nearly all routes and commuters.

Beyond the loss of time, the persistent traffic problem is taking a toll on public health and slowing economic activity in the city.

To address the challenge, JCDecaux Grace Lake Nigeria has introduced a public service initiative aimed at improving traffic management.

According to CEO of JCDecaux for sub-Saharan Africa, Mr Mark Cooper, the company developed the Lagos Transport Information System (LATIS), a digital platform that provides real-time traffic updates via electronic billboards. Some of the company’s digital displays have been dedicated to this function.

The system informs drivers about congestion levels and estimated travel times on specific routes, helping them choose alternative paths where necessary. It is tailored to Lagos’ traffic realities, offering route suggestions and expected arrival times.

Data powering the system is collected through about 100 sensors installed across key locations in Lagos. These sensors detect signals emitted by devices such as phones, laptops, and smartwatches, enabling the system to assess movement speed and traffic flow.

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Mr Cooper explained that the data allows for analysis of travel patterns and identification of bottlenecks, making it possible to predict journey times across different routes within designated areas.

He added that a similar system implemented in Mumbai, India, reduced commuting time by up to 25 percent, suggesting potential benefits if effectively deployed in Lagos.