By Olamide Francis
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The UN says Lagos is having 14 million residents but the Lagos State government thinks it’s nearer 21 million, as rural Nigerians are drawn by the hope of a better life to one of Africa’s few mega-cities. A CNN report in 2019 indicated that Lagos is Africa’s fifth largest economy and one of the most congested cities in the world.
Approximately 40% of cars in Nigeria are registered in Lagos placing a major burden squarely on Lagos residents.
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In addition, 95% of transportation in Lagos is done on the roads. The loss of productivity hours (about N42 billion), longer commutes to work, reduced leisure time, added fuel expenses, and higher vehicle emissions all negatively impact both the physical and mental health of Lagosians. As a point of fact, Lagosians spend three years out of 10 years in traffic.
NatureNews spoke with Chief Edward Akinlade, CEO of Suru Homes and Professor Samuel Iyiola Oni, a Professor of Geography with specialization in Transportation, Inland Waterways Management, Coastal Zone Management, Physical Distribution and Logistics and Spatial Planning of the University of Lagos.
Professor Oni attributed the traffic congestion challenge in Lagos to a range of issues which includes, lack of traffic information system, lack of proper planning, lack of organized public transit system amongst others.
He said sporadic population increase and unchecked urbanization is at the core of the incessant gridlock.
“Road traffic congestion remains a global phenomenon that bedevils Lagos megacity and its major entrances resulting in massive delay, unpredicted travel times, increased fuel consumption, man-hour and monetary losses. The phenomenon has risen from poorly planned road network and traffic management resulting in elongated and unbearable traffic jams.
“The challenge is in varieties. Some of them include, lack of regards for efficient land use control/proper road signage and traffic information system, unguarded and uncontrolled market and marketing activities, creation of gated communities within local government roads Class “C” use of roads for socio-cultural and religious activities, lack of proper parking systems and indiscriminate parking of cars along the non-designated areas, drivers’ attitude and behaviors, lack of organized public transit system, to mention a few,” Professor Oni said.
Chief Edward Akinlade differed in opinion with Prof.
He said the incessant traffic congestion in Lagos State is a result of leadership failure.
“The leadership of Lagos lack the boldness to take the right decision,” he stated.
He suggested that Lagos must toe the line of London by introducing the Lagos Congestion Charge.
The London congestion charge is a tax on vehicles driven inside the Congestion Charge Zone in Central London between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm seven days every week.
The charge was first implemented on 17 February 2003. As of 2017, the London charge zone is as yet one of the largest congestion charge zones on the planet, notwithstanding the expulsion of the Western Extension which worked between February 2007 and January 2011.
The charge not just assists with diminishing high traffic stream in the city roads, it lessens air and noise pollution in the focal London zone and raises investments funds for London’s transport framework.
Chief Edward said, “What we see in Lagos is similar to the issue we used to see in the city of London – where I resided in the 80s and 90s.
“London introduced the London congestion charge. We need Lagos congestion charge too. It will be basically a tax for using Lagos roads. It works quite well.
“We can start with a thousand naira. If it’s too small, it should be increased.
‘”Drivers will have to pay on days they want to go out with their cars. This will discourage people from putting their cars on the road.
“The whole idea is to restrict drivers from trooping out en masse to fill up the roads.”
When he was asked how this can be achieved, he said, “The government must be ready to invest in plate number-reading technology.
“You pay to the bank or designated payment platforms, then the information is transmitted to a central system.
“Proceeds from the charges would be used to repair dilapidated roads and vehicles of drivers found wanting should be crushed at collection point.”
Professor Oni didn’t share the traffic congestion charge sentiment with Edward. He said it’s a good initiative but it may not be useful now. He agreed it can be considered for the future.
“For now, no. But we might consider this in the near future. Some Central Business Districts (CBD) such as Lagos Island and Ikeja could consider the introduction of traffic congestion zone charges as well as to encourage ‘park and ride’ schemes and non-motorized transport to bring orderliness in the chaotic environment.”
When Chief Akinlade was asked if the unavailability of data and cultural difference between Lagos and London won’t be a barrier, he said it won’t.
“Well, all the database we need is already available. All vehicles have a license and are registered. It is with the Federal Road Safety Corps.
“Cultural difference isn’t a barrier. They said the same with the ATM but it is working in Nigeria today. The London method will work seamlessly in Lagos.”
Chief Akinlade insisted that implementation of the Lagos congestion charge is a panacea to the prevailing traffic congestion in Lagos. However, the UNILAG Don listed various ways the situation could be eased.
He said, “Lagos must provide multi-modal transportation system to reduce concentration of people on roads. “Non-motorized transportation must be encouraged with investment in public transportation system. “All potholes/inner roads must be fixed and strategic innovation in traffic restraint must be implemented.
“Major roundabouts should be removed with strict enforcement of traffic laws.
“Traffic awareness must be improved and trailers/tankers must be restricted to designated parks.”
Chief Edward called on the Lagos State Government to begin to award road contracts in the state to traditional rulers in each local government area, saying the central government cannot repair all the roads.
He added that traditional rulers know the road networks within their community. They are in the best position to handle it.
He informed NatureNews that he’ll soon be leading a one-man protest to the government secretariat against the incessant gridlock in the state.
