Population: 14,862,000
Lagos
TransportationThings To DoCost of LivingMore...
More Topics...

How bad is traffic in Lagos?

79 local experts
Share
Share

Nobody likes traffic. Not a single soul. Here's what 79 local experts had to say about traffic in Lagos. Perhaps you'll find some tips to avoid rush hour and some potholes.

Leave a comment

If you’re moving to Lagos, Nigeria, you should be ready for a dynamic, busy metropolis with a diverse range of cultures. Anticipate high traffic and schedule your travel appropriately. Accept the variety of food, but exercise caution while eating street food due to hygiene concerns. Finally, as Lagosians are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, become acquainted with the local traditions and keep an open mind about forming meaningful community ties.

Evangel, says: 2023

Traffic capital of West Africa, if not Africa as a whole. Be prepared that a journey of 15 minutes can take you 3 hours or more. You will find everything you look for in Lagos… the good, the bad, the ugly.

For the first time visitor, Lagos can be a bit of a culture shock. Noise, traffic, non functioning streetlights, constant power outages. But once you get over the six-month hump, the place grows on you. Restaurants, pubs, beaches, generally friendly people. All in all, not too bad a place to live.

If you’re moving to Lagos, you need to be prepared for a lot of struggle, be rest assured that the struggle is not exclusive to the people in the slums or average earners that use public transportation. Even in the comfort of your home, there is the struggle, the hustle and bustle is everywhere. It’s a major life change if you’re moving into Lagos from calm states with little or no wahala. Key things to note, there will always be traffic, you can’t completely beat it. You might ask why, well in Lagos, there’s a psychological merge that happens when it comes to moving around. If you think you’d wake up by 4am to beat traffic, that same thought popped into a hundred heads and all of you will meet on the road 😂. Another hint, nothing entertaining is free, guard your valuables in public places and private ones. Ask a lot of questions from people in your neighborhood and maybe at your office or family members that have lived in Lagos for a while. Always hold extra cash, use BRT’s when in doubt. Remember, Lagos is designed to break the weak, don’t be weak, this place will test you in ways you didn’t know possible but the groove is awesome as long as you prepare your mind for the traffic on the way back home. 😂😂😂

Faustina, says: 2023

It’s by all means the liveliest palace in Nigeria. It’s the economic capital of the country. There are so much tourist attractions and fun activities. However, the traffic can be frustrating, especially at rush hours.

Gideon, says: 2023

If you’re moving to Lagos, you’ll need to be prepared for traffic and extreme stress. However, this chaos nature is counterbalanced by its ability to provide for almost anything you want. Food, craft, fun–you name it.

Lagos is one of the most congested cities in West Africa with an estimated population of over 21 million people. The majority of residents in the sprawling city are go-getters. They have a can-do attitude, are easy to relate with and cerebral. Lagos is also famous for its world-class cuisine, especially the popular jollof rice.

Korede, says: 2020

The cost of living in Lagos is high. If your office location isn’t near to your residence, then traffic will be a huge concern as residents in Lagos can spend approximately 5 hours in traffic gridlock. It is also necessary to ensure that your abode is thoroughly checked before moving in as flooding is a major concern; furniture could get submerged in water after a heavy downpour if your residential location isn’t high enough. Every other thing makes Lagos one of the best places to live.

Christianah, says: 2020

Someone moving to Lagos should know that Lagos is a highly populated city with lots of traffic jams. Lots of crimes are carried out in Lagos every day, therefore one needs to very careful. Accommodations in Lagos depends on your purse. By and large, Lagos is a nice place to stay.

Lagos, a city that never sleeps, is a melting pot of a wide variety of cultures and nationalities. The economic capital of Nigeria houses numerous companies including multinational corporations and tech startups. There is never a dull moment in the city as there is always a wide variety of activities to partake in, from restaurants, lounges and theatres to beaches and concerts. However, Lagos is notorious for its significantly heavy traffic as commuting can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on where you live. It is a bit less daunting for those who live on the island, while those that commute from the mainland need to ensure they thoroughly plan their commuting times to avoid peak traffic periods.

Adaego, says: 2020

Lagos is a city located in the south-western part of Nigeria. It is popularly regarded as the economic hub of the country as most of the commercial activities in the country are carried out there. If you’re coming to Lagos, be prepared for a very stressful living. The daily traffic congestion on the roads of the city can be quite mentally draining and time-wasting.

The city is densely populated resulting in heavy vehicular traffic. It is also the most beautiful city in the country. The city has a lot of industries, agencies and establishments – which affords people a wide range of employment opportunity to both skilled and unskilled individuals.

Temilola, says: 2020

Lagos is one of the biggest cities in West Africa, it’s the industrial capital of Nigeria. Many businesses have their headquarters in Lagos. Lagos is infamous for its diversity, in Lagos you’ll see people from different ethnic groups, the rich, and the poor working together. Lagos is known for its being noisy and traffic congestions. If you live in Lagos you’ll have to leave your home earlier to avoid being stuck in traffic.

Adewale, says: 2020

The city, Lagos is the center of most activities, especially business in Nigeria. There is a lot of traffic in Lagos. The common language spoken is pidgin English. Most people come to Lagos as a means to start a business. Lagos is believed to be a no man’s land. Lagos is divided into two parts, the mainland and the island.

Mohammed, says: 2020

You must be at alert. No one is your friend. The cost of living in my city is expensive. You must be an early bird in order not to be delayed by traffic. You must have patience when dealing with people in my city. The food items purchase in stores my be checked carefully, to avoid buying expired food items.

Adetoro, says: 2020

Lagos belongs to a tribe called Yoruba. Although there are many other people from different tribes living in this city. Lagos is known as a megacity with a very large population with high living standards. Due to the population, there is sometimes traffic congestion and pollution. It is a really beautiful city with all basic and social amenities.

Onanefe, says: 2020

Lagos, the centre of Excellence, is a beautiful city with a busy lifestyle. It has been tagged as the heartbeat of Nigeria because of the economic and commercial height it has attained amidst other states in Nigeria. However, it is characterised with heavy traffic and the life expectancy of its residents have been shortened as a result of the stress associated with commuting within the metropolis. There is a saying used by ‘Lagosians’ to spite residents of other states, “If you can survive in Lagos, you can survive in any part of the world.”

A person moving to Lagos must know that it is a very busy place, with lots of people, a lot of noise and traffic in some areas—of course there’s rush hour—but also very good for connecting with people, learning the Nigerian culture and values, and not to mention, exploring. It’s also a place where getting employed can be easy and hard relative to your qualifications, and where startups are plentiful.

Lagos is a busy city filled. One has to plan one’s daily journey before setting out. This is because one could be caught up in a traffic jam and miss important events. Another major challenge associated with living in Lagos is the expensive cost of living. Therefore, one needs to get a good job.

Mukhtar, says: 2020

A lot of people migrate from other parts of Nigeria to Lagos because it is one of the most developed cities in Nigeria. Due to this reason, traffic jams occur daily and the cost of living is really high. Lagos is full of opportunities for people of different walks of life to make a living.

Austin, says: 2020

Lagos a city is in the west of Nigeria. It is the smallest city in Nigeria and yet the most populated. It is known for its numerous beaches, exciting nightlife and fast-paced environment. that so many people reside in such a small city makes moving around in Lagos pretty difficult. One thing that is peculiar to Lagos is traffic jam that is always present.

Ogechi, says: 2020

If a person moves to Lagos, he/she needs to be prepared for traffic. Lagos is one of the busiest cities in Africa. Another aspect of the city worthy of note is its diverse culture. In Lagos, one would interact with people of different cultural backgrounds.

Fejiro, says: 2020

Traffic in my city is really hectic, and because of this, it is really prone to traffic jams. If you have any time-sensitive arrangement you wish to attend, you have to leave your house at least by six am or else you will get stuck in a traffic jam and end up late for your arrangement.

Adaego, says: 2020

When moving here, the first thing you should consider is getting a very strong car and to employ a driver. There are lot of bad roads, and this causes traffic. You can be stranded in traffic for hours. It will be advisable to get a generator because electricity is erratic.

Lagos is a city of over 20 million inhabitants. Anyone moving to Lagos must be aware of the chaotic traffic and the shortage of affordable housing. The weather are not so challenging as the climate remains warm year-round. The rainy season may pose a challenge due to the perennial flooding associated with the undeveloped parts of Lagos.

Lagos is a fast-paced city, to make a move to Lagos you must be street smart. Lagos is tough. It could be a place where all your dreams come to life. It could also be a place where all your dreams sink. To survive it is always the survival of the fittest. Like all big cities, Lagos can be characterized for its insane traffic. When you are in Lagos make sure to always be alert, for your wallet could suddenly get missing missing. While living in Lagos could be a hassle it also has a its benefits. One being you could find anything in Lagos. You could also become anyone you want to be as long as you work hard.

Adeleye, says: 2020

There is always traffic, no matter where you are going to. You have to make sure you have GPS because it enables you to know where traffic is and possible shortcuts to pass to avoid traffic and it also helps with proper navigation, that way you know when to leave the house and how long it will take you to get to your destination.

Moving to Lagos is an exciting experience. However, anyone who plans to do so should expect two things: overcrowded places, and frequent traffic. Regardless of this, it is still an interesting city. The people are friendly, and their food is absolutely delicious. Also, adjusting to the constant buzz of Lagos maybe difficult, but the endurance is worth the experience.

The heavy traffic, exciting nightlife and the oceans by which the city of Lagos is known and not to mention the beautiful skyline. Lagos is an interesting city with a rich culture of the Yoruba people and is considered the centre of excellence because you can find everything there.

Gladys, says: 2020

A newcomer moving to Lagos must be prepared to face heavy traffic mostly after every long day, must be savvy and smart, must be highly tolerant as you get to meet different people with different characters everyday and must be zealous to achieve his/her goal as the competition here is umost.

If you are going to move to Lagos, Nigeria, you need to be ready for traffic. It is always hectic in the morning and evening. Also, Lagos is a very insecure place. You have to be wary of your security at all times. Lagos is a very dirty state.

Feranmi, says: 2020

Someone moving to Lagos should know traffic is very unpleasant. The reason is that Lagos is very crowded in terms of population and hence those having cars are in turn, many making the roads very busy almost all the time. Regardless of this fact, people still prefer to live in Lagos because of the many jobs available.

Chioma, says: 2020

Lagos, the economic capital of Nigeria, is known for its heavy traffic jams almost all day. It is also known for its regular power cuts. However, if you are looking for a large market for your products in Africa, Lagos is the place! All you need to do is prepare to provide an alternative power source for yourself.

Emmanuel, says: 2020

The basic things to watch out for are traffic congestion and high cost of accommodation. Also, there are great recreational centres to have fun with special ones. There’s also availability of jobs which affords you the opportunity of choosing which is best suit for you. One thing also worthy of note is the hospitality of its people dwelling there.

Lagos is quite noisy, motorbikes are one of the fastest means of transportation due to the hectic traffic on major roads of the city, the cost of getting an apartment is quiet on the high side too but once you can afford it or have a better job it shouldn’t be a problem, the electricity supply may not be regular so there should be an option of getting a generator.

Abdulfatai, says: 2020

Lagos city is known for heavy traffic at any time of the day. Apart from that, the activities of the Garage boys popularly known as “Agberos” is another spectacle to behold. Another worrisome expectation is the current wave of crime in the city especially the rampant cult war on the street of Lagos.

Lagos is the commercial and former administrative capital Nigeria. It is in the south of the country and borders the Atlantic ocean. It is the most populous city in Nigeria with a population of over 20 million people. Life in Lagos can be hectic and frustrating at times due to traffic jams and poor power supply. Most people are friendly and helpful. Good accommodation is available and there are some good five-star hotels.

Moving to Lagos would be a beautiful and amazing decision, but one must realize that it is coupled with traffic, noise, and to a decent level, environmental pollution. I love Lagos so much and if you decide to move to Lagos permanently, be rest assured that you will not only have fun but also you will meet amazing people.

Macdonald, says: 2020

Lagos is viewed as the heart and centre of excellence in Nigeria. It’s a bustling city with different opportunities, sights and cultures. Many investors visiting the country of Nigeria usually start from Lagos to explore options. However, the city encounters a lot of traffic jams and collisions. Apart from that, it’s a place to visit when in Nigeria.

Vivian, says: 2020

Lagos is the 10th busiest City in the world, it is the most populated black city in Nigeria! Traffic in Lagos is terrible. Lagos is divided into two major areas vis-a-vis Island and Mainland; the City’s Capital is in the Mainland. The streets of the mainland are mostly slums, the best place Lagos if you have the fund is Island; because of the serenity of the environment.

Osariemen, says: 2020

In Lagos, the traffic rate is high due to the population of the city. One must be prepared to go through the hustle and bustle of the city each day. Lagos is the economic center of Nigeria and home to most commercial headquarters. Thus, the availability of finding jobs in the city is high.

Lagos is a fun place bubbling with activities. Everyone is in a rush to get somewhere hence, the constant heavy traffic on the roads making it almost impossible to arrive on time. The nightlife is bright and exciting. Living in Lagos can be tiring but it also promises to be a fulfilling experience.

Someone moving to Lagos should be ready to bask in a wide range of experiences: meeting friendly people, dealing with snarling rush hour traffic and, my favourite, delicious cuisine. Lagos is a metropolitan city that is home to people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. This heterogeneity is, to a large extent, responsible for the flavour and colour that gives Lagos its vibe.

Anyone who wishes to move to Lagos, Nigeria, should know it is a very busy place and highly congested. One must always leave for appointments few hours before the scheduled time because of traffic. Lagos is a city where you also have to be security conscious because of the high rate of crime, but in all, it is an interesting place.

Lagos is a busy city with a lot of traffic. It is a city that never sleeps. Visitors to Lagos usually complain about the noise and environmental pollution; but always leave with new experiences. Nightlife in Lagos is a major source of revenue and tourist attraction for the city.

Ayobami, says: 2020

The first thing know is that Lagos is very noisy and traffic is terrible. Accommodation is quite expensive. You should get used to the beautiful and colorful parties held every weekend called “Owambe. “

Abiola, says: 2020

Someone moving to Lagos (Nigeria) should be prepared to spend half of their day in traffic. The increasing population and dilapidated roads are the main causative factor of these struggle of every “Lagosian”. If you intend to move to Lagos, Nigeria, consider your decision well and then ask yourself if you can live with that.

Lagos is a beehive of human population with clean communities and ghettos. There is always perennial traffic jams. It is daily populated with hordes of people coming from the hinterlands of Nigeria. It is often referred to as a ‘no man’s land’ due to different ethnic nationalities in the city.

Golden, says: 2020

Anyone moving to Lagos Nigeria, should bear the following in mind:
– The cost of living in certain parts of Lagos is quite high.
– The healthcare system is functional but it costs a pretty penny to get quick service.
– Commuting in Lagos is affordable and there are tricycles to get you practically anywhere.
– Traffic can be nerve racking.
– If you want to get to your destination in good time, leave early.

Lagos is a very busy city, and often referred to as the commercial nerve center of Nigeria. One of the things to expect in Lagos is very busy traffic – both human and vehicular. Everyone is busy going about their activities. This is why it is usually described as the heartbeat of West Africa.

Chizzy, says: 2020

It is a fast-paced city that is awake 24 hours of the day. It is a of opportunity for career and business focused individuals. It offers great nightlife activities, relaxation spots and wonderful cuisine for adventure seekers. Its major drawback is heavy traffic jam all around the city especially during rush hour. This is the bane of most cities described as cosmopolitan.

Titilayomi, says: 2020

Lagos is an industrialized city with a lot of companies and jobs, so anyone coming to Lagos should get ready for a very competitive work environment, to add to that, Lagos is very populated which causes traffic jam daily except on weekends although not all the time. To round it up, Lagos is for the hardworking people.

Kolawole, says: 2020

You need to be prepared for almost daily rain, especially during this rainy season. Be ready to face unending traffic and keep late hours because of this. There is what we call the “Eyo” festival, this comes up occasionally but you will enjoy yourself.

Olumide, says: 2020

Lagos is a city full of life, with a population of over nine million people. You’re sure to meet one of every kind. The weather is never too hot or cold, but traffic can hold you down at the same spot for hours, even on sundays!. If you rent a house in Lagos it better be on a good road.

Alexander, says: 2020

You must move ahead of time to be able to beat traffic. There is also high crime rate in the City, one therefore has to be extra alert. Keep maps on your phone handy always, as the Street naming and coding are, to say the least, irregular. If you’re buying anything, haggle as prices are hardly fixed.

Darlington, says: 2020

1. Lagos is the city of hustle; you have to have grit.
2. You have to be prepared for traffic, Lagos traffic is not for the weak willed, prepare for an additional two hours on any commute in Lagos.
3. It is the city that never sleeps with the bustling nightlife and 1001 restaurants you are sure to get your pick of fun activities when you have the time.

Adejobi, says: 2020

Anyone moving to Lagos must be prepared to deal with the heavy and sometimes intolerable traffic. It’s common to get trapped in traffic for up to four hours trying to cover a distance of less than five kilometres. This is the reason motorcycle services thrive so well.

Solomon, says: 2020

Anyone moving to the city of Lagos for permanent residence must be ready to face the hustle and bustle lifestyle of the city. Lagos hardly sleeps, while some are closing from work and trying to find their way home through the usual heavy traffic, others are just leaving their homes and going to work.

If you want to relocate to Lagos, know the following :
– Lagos is a very busy place, more like a marketplace even and you can get to buy things at a very cheap price.
– You’re going to deal with lots of traffic.
– More so it is a very fun place to stay in.

Samuel, says: 2020

Lagos is a beautiful city with hospitable people, beautiful landscape, good hotels for every budget, loves to have fun and has many night spots for night crawlers. Due to the population of my city, the city experiences a lot of vehicular traffic which could be frustrating. My city is known for its peace.

Sylvester, says: 2020

Maximum vehicular movement resulting in heavy traffic jam mostly during office closing hours, air pollution as a result of fumes from industries and vehicles, heavily congested with human, high cost of living, average robbery rate, presence of jobs and availability of market for your business/produce and mostly importantly, a high rate of fraudulent activities.

Chinecherem, says: 2020

Lagos is inarguably the heartbeat of Nigeria. Expect frequent gridlock and overpopulation in cinemas and shopping malls. There are a lot of vehicles which amounts to frequent disobedience of traffic rules. The weather is quite good.

Nicole, says: 2020

Lagos is a cosmopolitan city where ‘almost’ everyone is a hard worker and are always eager to make things happen. Lagos is congested with humans and ‘wowing’ creativities: it is as if everyone is in the know of how it is to live meaningfully, though not everyone would agree to that.

Ndubuisi, says: 2020

Ejigbo is one of the outstanding cities in Lagos State. My city is a non-congested place so there is low air pollution, low traffic congestion, constant electricity supply, constant water supply and lastly the tax and bills over here are quite affordable.

Wilson, says: 2020

Lagos is a very busy city so such person should be used to a busy environment, being social will be a plus. at least be good in English speaking, be ready for the harsh sunny whether, and spicy food. If you don’t like clustered houses, the island is recommended rather than the mainland. Finally and most importantly, be prepared for traffic.

Emmanuel, says: 2020

Traffic is too much here because most of our road is rough in some areas but unlike Victoria Garden city, lekki and ajah that the road is good, house is too cost because of highly demand in it, a lot of people live in my city and most of them is doing business.

What I feel is the most important thing to know is that it’s a very busy city which means lots of traffic and going from where you are to a place a bit far from yours can be quite frustrating and I would advise getting a place close to your work place if your coming her cause of work or for any other matter.

Samuel, says: 2020

Lagos is the fastest developing metropolitan city in Nigeria. It is densely populated with a whopping figure of about 25 million inhabitants over only 450 square kilometers of area. traffic is hectic, especially during the peak periods, usually in the mornings and evenings. The cost of residential or hotel accommodation is slightly higher than in other cities in Nigeria.

If you are moving to Lagos, you need to consider the following;
1) Traffic is always very bad.
2) Electricity is hardly ever switched on.
3) The roads are in deplorable state.
4) It is a very crowded city so housing is a big problem.
4) It is the commercial hub of Nigeria.

Victor, says: 2020

There people are accommodating and they should be prepared to be in traffic most time they find themselves on the road. Also, the food is amazing and there is a plethora of delicacies to try as a visitor. Request for food with little or no spice because locals prefer their meal as spicy as possible.

Damilola, says: 2020

Lagos is a chaotic city with attendant traffic jam. There are highbrow residential area and you can also find slumps, Your income determines where you will reside. Due to high rents some residence choose to live in the outskirts of the time. The social malaise evident everywhere and it stares you in the face everywhere you go.

Ifeoma, says: 2020

lagos is the commercial hub of Nigeria and the sixth – largest city in the world. It is known for its beach resort, nightlife and activities. It’s crowded and traffic prone, but it has plenty of opportunities and a fun place. So if you’re moving to Lagos, get ready to have some fun.

Folawewo, says: 2020

Epileptic power supply in my city is terrible. Traffic is also a major concern in my city as you can stay for hours on the road before arriving at your destination. Cost of housing via rent is pretty much expensive. There’s really a high level of noise pollution in the environment especially in the slums part of the city.

Daniel, says: 2020

Moving to Lagos state can be very hectic. Issues ranging from heavy traffic to a high cost of living are the ordeals of the day. It is best to have a friend or family member help out when searching for an apartment to avoid fraudulent agents. When picking an apartment, make sure the previous occupant cleared up all utility bills.

Chikadibia, says: 2020

If you are contemplating a move to my city, you must be informed that there is high traffic within the city and you should be very careful as there are lots of fraudsters in my city. The major advantage of a move to my city is better employment opportunities. If you can cope with the fast life.

Israel, says: 2020

One thing anyone moving to Lagos should know is that it is a real jungle where dreams can come to life or be smashed to smithereens. People come to Lagos with a bag full of dreams and hopes of how to achieve the said dreams. Most come through without concrete plans and Lagos quickly teaches them (from traffic jams to street scams) about the scouts’ pledge: BE PREPARED. Lagos can be a bed of roses but you have to be ready and have a plan for the thorny side of things.

Elisha, says: 2020

Lagos is a city with diverse kinds of people with different backgrounds from various part of the country. Usually there are heavy traffic on major roads in Lagos. Accommodation in Lagos is zoned as high density area and low density areas. Lagos is also blessed with natural beaches.

One thing you must know before coming down to my city is the horrendous traffic. It never ends. Secondly, our power supply is epileptic but the good thing is that we have alternative power supplies like solar and generators. Apart from these two issues, my city is one of the best in Africa. You would love it here.

Adeyoola, says: 2020

Someone moving to Lagos city in Nigeria should be prepared for a bit of culture-shock. The city is a very vibrant and exciting place, made even more so by the culturally-diverse population that calls Lagos home. As one of the most populous cities on the African continent, one should expect the noise levels to be higher than usual. Legendary traffic jams are also the norm in Lagos, so this should always be accounted for when making movement plans. That being said, Lagos has a lot of good things to offer, such as amazing local cuisine, bustling fabric markets with swirling colors and patterns, exciting night-life!

Ololade, says: 2020
TransportationThings To DoCost of LivingMore...
More Lagos Topics...

Comments are closed.

Names of respondents may have been changed.

Share
Share