A recent study conducted by the Danne Institute for Research revealed that Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria, is losing N4 trillion annually as a result of profound traffic congestion.
The study, titled ‘Behavioural Causes of Traffic Congestion in Lagos’, which was funded by the Bank of Industry and Africa Finance Corporation, underscored the need for immediate action to alleviate the economic and social toll.
The report was presented on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to the Executive Director of the Danne Institute for Research, Franca Ovadje, the staggering loss could otherwise be directed toward vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
The report identifies behavioral factors as the primary culprits, including poor road infrastructure, violation of traffic laws, activities of agbero (touts) at bus stops, and buses picking up passengers.
Ovadje emphasised that the 21 million-strong population of Lagos is not translating into corresponding productivity due to the crippling impact of traffic jams on daily life.
The report suggests that doubling the population in developing countries should result in a five to six per cent growth in productivity.
Respondents, who expressed traffic congestion as their top challenge, proposed solutions that focus on road construction, repairs, and maintenance, along with a ban on agbero and stringent enforcement of traffic laws.
The report calls on government authorities to prioritize these recommendations to enhance productivity, attract investments, and generate substantial internally generated revenue through law enforcement.
The report also highlights that Lagosians spend an average of 2.21 hours commuting daily, with 45 percent 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”, the report noted.
As the Lagos State Government concludes works on the Lekki Coastal Road Construction, the report advocates for sustained efforts to prevent further traffic woes.
It calls for strict penalties, and increased deployment of officials of the state Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), police, and even soldiers to manage traffic effectively.
The report concludes by urging a comprehensive campaign against touts and corrupt traffic wardens to restore discipline and order to Lagos roads, essential for transforming the city into a livable and prosperous metropolis.
Source: The PUNCH
