Traffic congestion costs the economy of Lagos billions of naira daily.

Due to an unmet demand for traffic, it faces a major obstacle in the suppressed productivity of its residents and skilled labour force caused by constant traffic and poor road networks.

The 6.39 million employed in Lagos spend an average of 2.21 hours in traffic daily losing the equivalent of N1,1180 per hour in wages or N17m daily, according to Danne Institute for Research.

Long commutes between where Lagosians live and work are the cause of unending traffic jams. Every day 8 million people move about in five million cars on a network of 9,204 roads between the mainland and the island in Nigeria’s smallest state in terms of landmass.

Federick Oladehinde, the former Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State said that Lagos residents and businesses are struggling with productivity due to issues related to mobility which is limiting the economic prospects of the state, adding that half of the people in Lagos state spend approximately 40 percent of their income on transport-related expenses.

Here are 10 tips on how to survive and deal with Lagos Traffic:

How to Survive Lagos Traffic in 2025

I. Make sure to leave home early 

This is how the traffic has defined the life of many Lagosians. The routine is to leave early and arrive late to avoid and survive the gridlock. I would advise you to set and be halfway through your destination before 6:30 AM or before 5:30 PM in the Evening.

II. Always listen to Lagos traffic radio programs

The Lagos State Government on May 29, 2012, launched the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM to give Lagosians situation reports on traffic.

It offers information on alternative routes and locations where the gridlock is worse. They work in conjunction with the Lagos State Road Maintenance Agency (LASMA) and it is a reliable platform to get traffic information.

A great tip is to always keep up to date with popular social events that happen in areas you are driving to each day.

For example, People living around the Ojodu Berger area always prepare for heavy traffic caused by the Mountain of Fire Ministry (MFM) and the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) Church on a Specific Friday of every month that makes the Lagos Ibadan Expressway traffic gets blocked.

Then the Access Bank Annual Marathon in Victoria Island /Ikoyi Route must also be noted by people going to the Island on such a period that Saturday morning.

III. Plan to live closer to your workplace

If you can afford to rent a house or apartment closer to your office, where you work daily or spend a huge chunk of your time. It will reduce the daily stress of long hold-ups daily.

IV. Always wind up your car windows 

This is a safety tip to ward off the popular snatch-and-run thieves. Lagos traffic jams are the perfect cover for a lot of pickpockets who pretend to be beggars or street hawkers.

V. Turn Traffic Time into Learning Time

If you are not driving, this is a perfect time to read books and learn new skills via an online course. For those driving you can listen to audiobooks, YouTube, and podcasts on Learning New knowledge online.

VI. You don’t always need to drive

Most times, deciding to take public transport on some occasions is one of the best ways you can beat the Lagos traffic. For example, those who have the luxury of BRT buses around where they reside can decide to use those buses which gives some level of comfort at the same time.

Taking the seaways like boat rides to the Ikorodu axis or from CMS to the Mainland axis etc Make sure you have your life Jacket on for safety purposes on Boat rides.

Taking Uber or Bolt is another viable option for those who can afford it. To reduce the fare, you can decide to order Uber jointly with your colleagues at the office and share the bills collectively to reduce costs individually.

You can also take the train – for a more comfortable and faster commute. For movement within Lagos, you can use the Lagos Rail Mass Transit – which includes the Blue Line, Purple Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Yellow Line, and the Red Line. Each of these rail lines services different locations. Click here to see which one going your way. Alternatively, if you’re going outside the Lagos-Ibadan axis, then you can take the NRC Lagos-Ibadan train service.

VII. Get insights from Google Map

Google Maps gives you a bird’s-eye view of the current traffic build-up along your route. This is very important, because it gives you the luxery of knowing the times of day and week when traffic is at its peak – thereby helping you plan your movement the right way.

VIII. Monitor the traffic situation on social media 

There are some Twitter handles like LagosTrafficReport – that provide authentic Lagos traffic updates daily, follow them, and monitor their tweets religiously. With these updates, you can map out your routes. Other accounts include: LASTMA and Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM

IX. Shake your head to the melodious tune of your music player

When you’re stuck in Lagos traffic, staring at the unending line of vehicles in front of you to move forward, you can always occupy your mind with music while you wait. Great music will soothe you and reduce the mental stress you go through in traffic.

X. Make use of Tech when necessary

Since after the Covid, a lot of offices started implemeting the work from home program. And not just offices, even churches, seminars, and conferences now has the option of people joining online if they can’t physically be available.

So, to save you a lot of traffic wahala, and especially if your physical presence is not needed, first check if your office can give your the grace of working some days from home, and for churches, seminars, workshops, etc – also check if there’s an option of joining from home.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Lagos traffic can sometimes be scary and tiresome. But with some thoughtful strategy and plans, you can successfully survive and deal with the traffic situations to some extent. And you can get started today by trying any of the 10 tips listed above.

Credit: This post was first published by Dr. Laide Okubena - A Real Estate consultant in Lagos State.

Unless you’re visiting Lagos State for the first time, you should otherwise probably know that Lagos Island is classified as places for the affluent and big boys.

Packed with lots of lovely recreational centers, luxury hotels, nightclubs, nature parks, art galleries, karaoke bars, beaches, and many more – it’d be likened that one weekend in any of these places is enough to catch a lifetime cruise.

Even though most of these fun places might be a bit classy and costly as well, you’d definitely have a time to remember! So in no particular order, here’s our list of the 8 best places to visit in Lagos Island.

Tarkwa Bay

Tarkwa Bay is an artificially sheltered beach located near the Lagos harbour. Due to its island status, it is only accessible by boat or water taxis. The beach, popular with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, also has a welcoming resident community.

Researching further, Tarkwa Bay is one of the gems of Lagos Island. And, not lots of people know about that.

Tarkwa bay has been existing since around the 1960s. It has since then been one of the go-to places for fun-seekers. The idea of it being an island, away from the land, makes it more thrilling. The whole fun and adventure start right from the boat ride.

So if you’re thinking of the best places to visit in Lagos for chillout and fun in a hideout that feels like a different world, then go to Tarkwa Bay.

Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC)

The Lekki Conservation Center, located on Lekki Peninsula, next to the Lekki Lagoon covers a land area of about 78 hectares which is endowed with an abundance of plant and animal life. Its huge tract of wetlands is set aside for wildlife viewing.

A high point of this awesome place is the popular canopy walkways of about 22 feet high – projected to be the longest of its kind in Africa, which enables the viewing of animals like monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, and various birds.

Other attractions includes Treehouse, conservation center, Children’s playground, Lawn tennis court, Chess boards, hiking trails, stepping stones to cross waterways, among others – making it an ideal place for picnics, friends hangouts, or family reunion.

La Campagne Tropicana

The La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, which is popularly regarded as one of the best beach resorts in Nigeria – is a 4-Star resort located at Ikegun, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos.

Being one of the best best places to visit in Lagos, this premium beach resort, is situated on the coast of the Atlantic ocean beside Ikegun lake, with a breathtaking epitome of nature, splendour, and man-made beauty perfect for fun seekers and holidaymakers who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the Lagos metropolis.

Landmark Beach

Located within the heart of Victorial Island, along the Lagos coastline, closed to the Oniru Royal family beach, Landmark Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Lagos State with facilities for everyone both kids and adults.

Landmark Beach is also home to a lot of popular restaurants in Lagos Island such as Hardrock Cafe, Shiro Restaurant, and the popular Landmark Event Center. And the coastline boardwalk at the beach is known to be the longest in Nigeria.

There is a wide range of activities for everyone at the landmark beach, which include: Astroturf pitch, Beach paintball, Coastline Board, Jet skiing, Beach volleyball, Adventure course, kitesurfing, Kids play Area, Beach soccer, Cabanas and Loungers, and Group events and parties.

Oniru Private Beach

Oniru Beach is named after its owners, the Oniru Royal family. Located precisely at Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State. This is one Lagos hotspot for parties, events, fun outings, relaxations, live shows and so on.

This Beach though private is very fun-filled and very relaxing to spend time in. Whether you are coming as an individual, a couple or a group.

Lufasi Nature Park

LUFASI Nature Park sits on a 20 hectare pristine Farm-Forest, situated in the heart of highly urbanized Lekki, Lagos Nigeria.

Lufasi Park which proud itself as being a natural wellness center provides a meeting point for nature and leisure walk, outdoor sports, field research, school excursions, wildlife rescue & rehabilitation and other activities.

Omu Resort

Being one of the most elaborate Family Recreational and Educational center, the Omu Resort is home to a Zoo, Freshwater seaworld, Wax museum, Amusement rides, Go karting, Quad biking and more.

Nestled in a peaceful neighbourhood, occupying a land area of approximately 22 hectares and boarded to the North by the imposing clear waters of OMU CREEK – the world of OMU RESORT is set in a rainforest environment, it allows guests experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature.

The Metaphor

The last on our list of the 8 best places to visit in Lagos Island is the Metaphor. This is a vibrant Social and Business house situated in the heart of Victoria Island.

Whether you are meeting with colleagues, clients or seeking entertaining, The Metaphor provides a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, for promoting a pleasing conversations and networking opportunities through different mediums!

Some of our activities include: Sip & Paint, Game Nights, House Parties, Karaoke, Art-Exhibitions/Live Painting performances, Jazz Nights, piano lounge, boutique dining spaces, library bar, garden terrace, multi-purpose penthouse, outdoor pool and more.

Best Places to Visit In Lagos – Summing Up

If Lagos State is home for fun and enjoyment, then Lagos Island would definitely be the kitchen where majority of all the best places are cooked up.

So, when next you’re in Lagos or looking for the best places to visit in lagos for relaxation or family/friends hangout, then consider coming to any of these 8 spots in Lagos Island, and it’ll definitely be worth all the time and money you will put in.

If you like this post, consider checking out other hot locations in Lagos to live or buy properties, also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to our Youtube channel for more exciting posts on how to enjoy your time living in Nigeria.

Optimism is high ahead of the commencement date of operations of the multi-billion dollar Lekki Deep Sea Port project just as the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi at the weekend gave kudos for the level of progress so far achieved in the construction site of the project.

The minister, recently held talks with the management and promoter of the project – Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited before he embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of works at the Itoke village, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Free Zone location of the deep-sea project.

Amaechi said, “I am very delighted and impressed with the pace and progress of construction work on this project from the last time I was here in November 2020. Only a building was here then but today we are seeing massive construction works going on at the same time everywhere you look.”

“The promoter of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project – Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited has demonstrated strong commitment and capacity to deliver the project as agreed.”

He, however, reiterated the second quarter date of commencement of operations at the port remains sacrosanct and urged the Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited management and other stakeholders to work towards ensuring that the Port becomes operational by mid-2022.

Speaking earlier on the status of construction works, the Chairman, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri explained that work on the entire port construction has hit now at 55.48 percent completion.

In the breakdown of the status of the components of the port, Mr. Dabiri noted that dredging and reclamation have reached 61,11 percent, Quay Wall 50.39 percent, Breakwater 67.49 percent while the landside infrastructure development has reached 33.70 percent completion.

What does this imply?

For some reason, many people have been holding back whenever the talk of investing and buying property in Ibeju-Lekki comes up. However, this recent update has provided a glimpse of hope and assurance to many Nigerians that already own a property in that location – which indicates that lots of good are yet to follow if everything continues as planned.

So, this is actually the best time to buy property in Ibeju-Lekki, with lots of affordable lands and houses still selling – because from 2020, once everything starts functioning, the prices will go premium.

To get started, see our compiled lists of properties for sell in Ibeju-Lekki. If on the other hand you’re looking for affordable properties within that area, you can check out our list of lands under one million naira.