Lagos residents lose N1 trillion annually to traffic gridlock – Govt
Lagos State residents lose an estimated N1 trillion annually due to productivity lost in traffic congestion, according to the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa.
Giwa made this known on Tuesday during the flag-off of the Second Lagos Traffic Conference, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The event is part of activities commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
He disclosed that, on average, commuters in Lagos spend up to six hours daily on the road. However, he noted that LASTMA’s interventions have helped recover at least N4 billion in productivity that would have otherwise been lost.
The three-day conference, themed “Enhancing Traffic Efficiency and Safety on Lagos Roads: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovations,” was declared open by Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
The forum attracted a diverse group of participants, including transport experts, policymakers, law enforcement officers, urban planners, private sector stakeholders, and international partners. Discussions are expected to focus on resolving long-standing traffic issues while exploring innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of the Lagos State 20-Year Strategic Traffic Management Policy by LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki. The long-term plan aims to overhaul the state’s transportation network, emphasizing improved infrastructure, stricter traffic enforcement, and the adoption of smart mobility technologies.
