This country is hard to live in, and one of the reasons is the constant traffic congestion. When we talk about traffic congestion in Nigeria, you know we mean ‘Lagos traffic,’ as we all call it.
So, to make your life easy despite this issue, we shall discuss how to beat traffic and 10 tips for enjoying your time in Lagos traffic. Also, we’ll look at items you shouldn’t buy and how to stay alert in traffic.
Table of Contents
How to Beat Traffic Congestion in Nigeria
1. Follow Who Know Road
My guy, if you want to beat Lagos traffic, you need to follow who know road o. Some people are like Google maps. They understand the Lagos road network like the back of their palms. They know every alternative route you can take if a road is congested. If you have these people in your lives, always follow their lead. In return, buy them a chilled smoothie or a few wraps of hot Amala. They deserve it.
2. Leave Home Early
You must try to leave home earlier than you should be at a place. If you can’t do this, how often would we have to tell you that Lagos is not for you? Set aside a few hours before your meeting time.
3. Listen to the Traffic Report.
Lagos Traffic Radio on 96.1FM shares daily traffic updates from Mondays to Sundays. The station keeps you abreast of what Lagos roads look like when it comes to traffic for the day. Of course, you can always tune in as a Lagosian. Also, if you’re traveling to Lagos, you can tune in through your radio set/app or the Radio Garden. It will help you get a hold of Lagos traffic for the day.
4. Use Google Maps
Punch your destination into Google Maps to check whether there is traffic congestion on your route. Then, open the app on your phone or tablet and click on the top right. Then click ‘traffic.’
10 Ways to Have Fun in Traffic
If you get stuck in traffic because you didn’t do any of these, here’s how to make your time worthwhile.
1. Listen to Music
You’ve heard that Asake and Tiwa Savage just released a song. Now is the time to search and listen to the jam. You can quickly create a playlist and listen away if you’ve listened to that. In the same vein, you can listen to a podcast.
2. Watch a Movie
You can watch the latest movies or series if Emeka still needs to log you out of his Netflix account. Suppose you have, head on to YouTube. Also, try to get some movies from your colleagues before leaving work if all of you are not too proud to share.
3. Sleep
If you’re not a driver and not on public transport, you have to sleep all the time in Lagos traffic.
4. Read a Book
The genre doesn’t matter, pick a book and read it. It could be a soft copy, a paperback, or an audiobook. Even though the road will not be as quiet as a library, some of what you read will still stick. Then, schedule the following reading for the next day of traffic congestion. Before you know it, you’ll be done reading the book.
5. Preach
As a good Nigerian, you should continue preaching to those who come to your bus at the park. Would you not like to tell people how great it is to come to God? I bet you do.
6. Play a Game
Get your phone and play your favourite game. Your time in traffic could even be when you’ll crack that puzzle of a nut. If you want to try a new game, you can choose from this list.
7. Advertise
Carry a few of what you sell around. Don’t just be a Twitter crochet creator or Instagram vendor. Advertise your business too in public transport. Who knows if that’s the day Florence Otedola would love to have a feel of public transport? You might sell an expensive pink wig that day. Think about this when alone.
8. Catch Up on Work
No, carry your system out o. Just do what you can with your phone. For example, check that email you ignored when your boss sent it a few minutes before the close of business.
9. Clear Unread Messages
This is an opportunity to reply to the messages you’ve ignored for a long. It’s an excellent time to open and close those group messages that leave an annoying bubble on your phone.
10. Press your Phone
You may work where phone use isn’t allowed. Paying your phone takes all the time available to have fun in traffic. Who buys an iPhone 14 without pressing it?! Se you dey whine me ni?
How to Stay Alert while in Traffic Congestion in Nigeria
1. Don’t Sleep, Don’t Sleep…
Wake up. You can only sleep all you want if your dad is driving or you’re with the love of your life. On the other hand, please don’t sleep on public transport, so they don’t collect your money. Always remember that if you snooze, you lose.
2. Mind the Window
I remember a tweet I read. Pressing your phone carelessly by the window makes it easy to snatch. So, no go loose guard o.
https://twitter.com/lollypeezle/status/1588611765205872641?t=AL7B8ml9QjoQvPTYUeA96A&s=19
3. Stay Away From Small Talks
Small talks are meant to distract you. Please don’t fall for it. Nothing concern you with wetin no concern you. The person making the small talk has probably seen your iPhone and wants to steal it and become a baller like you.
3 Things You Shouldn’t Buy in Traffic
With the rate of what you can buy in traffic congestion in Nigeria, you can set up a building or even cook a pot of soup. However, here are some things you should avoid buying in traffic.
1. Maybe earphones, but not power banks
If you’re in dire need of earphones for music, radio, podcast, or audiobook, you can risk some cash to buy earphones. But, friend, do not buy power banks as they can be fake or not functional. Your phone would be better off dead than wasting money in this harsh economy.
2. Phones
Do you still need an explanation for this? You should know what’s up already.
3. Puppies
Na, you know why you wan buy puppy for traffic o. Don’t do it, as these puppies might be carrying diseases. If you need a puppy, ask people who know about puppies. You could even get a place quickly by typing into Google, ‘where to buy puppies in Lagos,’ or ‘where to buy puppies near me.’
Traffic congestion can be a time waster and can be frustrating. However, finding a way to beat it or enjoy yourself while stuck in it would be best. If it has become a part of your life, try to make the most of it by using the tips provided.
About Author
- Oluwatosin Ajayi studied Mass Communication in Adekunle Ajasin University. She has a flair for content writing in cybersecurity. Her journalism experience helps her to research topics in-depth. She then uses her communication skills to pass across facts in digestible forms. Oluwatosin also writes fiction in her leisure time.
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