LAGOS, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, faces persistent traffic challenges, earning notoriety for its unrelenting congestion. With a population exceeding 20 million and rapid urbanisation, the city grapples with insufficient transportation infrastructure, resulting in excruciatingly long travel times and standstill traffic for commuters.
The government has initiated several measures to tackle this issue, including road expansion, the development of a metro system, and improvements in traffic management. The centrepiece of these efforts is the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project, designed to establish a network of light and commuter rail lines linking different parts of the city. The Blue Line, constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corp, connects the densely populated mainland to Lagos Island, aiming to significantly reduce travel times for commuters and businesses.
To comprehend the status of traffic congestion and gauge public sentiments on the Metro system, GeoPoll conducted a nationwide survey in October 2023, targeting 416 GeoPoll App and Mobile Web users. The survey delved into aspects such as the most used modes of transport, time spent in traffic, route diversions, perceptions of the Metro system, and opinions regarding the government’s efforts in addressing traffic issues.
Most used mode of transport
The survey revealed that over 72 percent of Nigerians primarily rely on public transport for their regular commutes. Notably, motorcycles, known as ‘okadas,’ are popular for short-distance trips and navigating congested urban areas, with 29.6 percent of respondents favouring this mode. Around 27.2 percent use personal vehicles for their regular transportation needs, while railway transport and domestic flights are less commonly used in daily commutes, with only 8.4 percent utilising trains regularly.
Time spent in traffic
In major cities like Lagos and Abuja, commuters often spend a significant amount of time stuck in traffic during their daily commutes. About 57.8 percent of respondents spend 30 minutes to 1 hour in traffic, 28.7 percent endure 1 to 2 hours, and 10.4 percent grapple with 2 to 3 hours while commuting. Factors such as distance, route, time of day, and transportation system efficiency influence commute times.
Route diversions
Traffic congestion prompts route diversions, with 47.6 percent occasionally diverting from their regular routes to avoid traffic. This practice aims to navigate congested areas and optimise travel paths. 12 percent divert routes ‘very often,’ while 41.8 percent rarely opt for diversions, potentially influenced by the inflexibility of public transport.
Metro system expectations
70 percent of respondents were aware of the newly introduced Blue Line metro system. Concerning its efficacy in resolving traffic congestion, the majority remained neutral (30.8 percent), while 28.6 percent expressed some optimism. Anticipated frequency of using the Metro varied, with nearly 44 percent expecting occasional rides, 31.6 percent planning rare usage, and 15 percent envisioning frequent utilisation, while 11.2 percent intended not to use it.
Government efforts and satisfaction
The survey disclosed varying degrees of satisfaction regarding the government’s efforts to address traffic issues. 38.4 percent expressed some satisfaction, acknowledging progress in mitigating traffic challenges, while 27.7 percent were pleased with the government’s initiatives. 23.4 percent remained neutral, indicating uncertainty or a wait-and-see approach.
The survey offers a comprehensive snapshot of the challenges faced in Nigerian traffic, commuters’ behaviours, and their perceptions of the government’s efforts. The Metro system, with the commencement of its second phase, remains a hopeful solution for many, expected to accommodate half a million passengers daily upon completion.
This exclusive GeoPoll survey, conducted via the GeoPoll mobile application and web links, serves as a valuable insight into Nigeria’s transportation challenges and public sentiments. The sample size of 416 users was composed of random individuals aged 18 to 60, skewed towards younger age groups, males, and urban residents.
