Traffic congestion stalls Lagos business owners’ activities, drivers hike transport fare

Business owners in Lagos have decried Monday’s traffic congestion which delayed their scheduled activities for the day.

The traffic congestion affected free flow of traffic in Secretariat, 7up, MKO Abiola garden, Estate, Ogudu, Ifako, inward Lagos Island.

The traffic congestion has also led to increase of transport fare within Mowe, Berger to Obalende, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and other parts of the state.

Our correspondent observed that commuters jostled for transport as there were few buses available to various locations up till 11am.

Transport fare of Obalende from Ojodu Berger which was initially pegged at N1,000 surged to N1,500 per passenger while Oworonshoki/New garage increased to N700 – N800 from N500.

Other affected parts include Yaba from N700 to N1,000; Oshodi – Cele – Mile 12 from N1,000 to N1500 – 1700.

Speaking on the effect of the traffic congestion on her business, a trader in Obalende, who resides in Akute, Mrs Akinbola Glory, decried the delay and price inflation.

She added that “I’d planned business activities for today but here I’m here struck in traffic. I only pray I do not lose more customers than this any longer today. I know I have lost an average of N30,000 – 50,000 within the last hour already.”

Another, Mr Jamiu Usman, who is an artisan, lamented that the traffic congestion was unusual and had no option that to be patient despite “waking up early to beat the traffic.”

“I’m saddened by the traffic congestion today. Journey of less than 20 mins from Ojodu Berger to Oworonshoki cost me over 1 hr. The hike in transport fare is inclusive.”

A public bus driver, Kayode Durojaiye, blamed the transport hike on the traffic congestion.

He argued that it consumes more petrol than regular journeys.

“Driving in traffic congestion consumes more fuel than every other journey embarked on.

The cost of fuel since President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidy has not been favourable,” he said.

However, our correspondent observed the presence of traffic control officers directing vehicular movements to lessen the congestion.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on its X handle disclosed that the traffic congestion inward Ogudu was caused by an accident “that occurred at Total filling station, just before Estate-Alapere inward Ogudu and it involved 7 vehicles.”

It added, “Effort is ongoing to evacuate the affected vehicles for free vehicular movement, and our men are firmly on ground doing justice to traffic.”