If there is one thing the city of Lagos is popular for, it’s her mind-draining traffic. Even though experiencing traffic is quite annoying especially when you’re trying to get to work on time or you’re running late for that important client meeting, there are indeed some positives of being stuck in traffic (i.e. reasons why we love traffic). Here they are:
1) ENJOY FUNNY SCENES
There are so many comical activities surrounding traffic in lagos. It’s either the sound of bus conductors urging passengers to hold on to their change, or the arguments that go on between the local touts (popularly known as AGBEROS) over things that make no sense. Even road shows involving a lot of energetic dancing organized by companies to market their products are entertaining. Either way, you can be assured of getting free unadulterated humor and sometimes freebies (Who doesn’t love freebies?? even the rich do).
2) MEETING HOT GUYS
This is my personal favorite. Who doesn’t like to meet good looking and potential husband-material guys? Lagos traffic makes it really easy. Traffic in Lagos makes it possible to score a hot guy with a dope ride with little to no effort (a few stares and winks here and there will suffice). If you are lucky enough you’ll get a date right in traffic (that’s how good lagos traffic is). You dream man might just be a car way *wink*
3) ROADSIDE MUNCHIES
This might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it sure is mine! I love indulging in some of the locally made snacks that are both pocket friendly and really delicious. Snacks like BOLI (roasted plantain), GALA (sausage roll) and the signature traffic drink LA CASERA (every lagosian should be able to relate).
Image: iafrikan
4) TURN UP
Traffic in lagos can often last for hours (I mean a 20 min journey can end up being 3 hours) and while some people let themselves get frustrated by it, I simply switch up to gear “turn up”. I simply plug in the AUX and viola!! It’s a party. It’s usually much better when I have a few girlfriends with me then we pretty much in a club. It’s not odd to see drivers dancing while in traffic (it’s a norm in Lagos, they are REALLY having the time of their lives and not crazy).
Image: dailymail
5) SOCIAL MEDIA FRIENDLY
Everyone is pretty much obsessed with social media platforms and I am no exception. Lagos traffic gives me the adequate amount of time to post a few tweets, like a picture or two on instagram and most especially make snapchat videos keeping friends posted on my exact whereabouts. The traffic allows me do all this without getting into trouble with the law as most traffic will bring you to a complete stop. Remember “Don’t text and drive”.
Image: cnn
6) LISTENING TO THE RADIO
Now I often don’t get enough time to listen to the radio or watch news on TV because of life’s hecticness. But the few hours spent in traffic gives me enough time to catch up with my favorite radio shows and believe me when I tell you radio stations in Lagos are absolutely dope.
Image: topgear
7) SHOPPING TIME
Food isn’t the only thing you can get in lagos traffic. If you’re familiar with traffic around areas like the main traffic light in Maryland, the Adeola Odeku area in Victoria island (Lagosians can relate). In these locations, you can bag yourself great knockoffs of your favorite designer shades (why go for a N30,000 pair of “Wayfarers” when you can get the knockoff “Ray Peng” for about N200). Although some people “you know who” are trying to take away our road markets, we know they serve a good function 😉
Image: theguardian
I have a real blast every time I’m stuck in traffic in this city that never sleeps. Do you enjoy traffic as much I as do? If so, how do you make your time in traffic more enjoyable? Share your ideas with me below!