In recent times, Ibeju Lekki has witnessed a phenomenal growth spurt, transforming it into a Hub for Industries, Real Estate Development, Commercial Activities, and Tourist Attractions given the growing number of Beach Resorts and Entertainment Arenas.
However, this rapid development has come at a cost – the once-manageable Traffic has morphed into a relentless beast, ensnaring Commuters in a labyrinth of jams and delays. A distance of about 40km taking up to 3 to 4 hours, leaves much to be desired.
The root causes of this Traffic mayhem are multifaceted: including Government Policies, Individual Practices, and other Societal Norms. To unravel this Gordian knot, we reflect on the way we live and think.
Ill-timed Road Construction:
One of the most glaring contributors to Traffic Congestion is the Government’s unfortunate decision to conduct Road Construction during peak hours. This shortsighted approach forces Motorists to navigate through Construction Zones, often without adequate Signage or Traffic Management, causing delays and frustration. The lack of foresight in scheduling Construction during non-peak hours highlights a disconnect between Government’s planning and the realities of daily commuting.
Unfit Vehicles and Impromptu Stops:
The poor state of many Vehicles on Lekki Roads adds another layer of chaos. Unroadworthy Vehicles, plagued by mechanical breakdowns, clog the highways, further hindering Traffic flow. Additionally, the habit of Passengers in Public Transport stopping Buses impromptu at bottleneck spots further exacerbates the congestion. These impromptu stops often occur due to Passenger requests to alight or to allow other Vehicles unregulated access, disrupting the flow of Traffic.
Rampant Indiscipline:
Indiscipline, a pervasive issue among Motorists, Pedestrians, and Public Transport Operators, is another major contributor. Lane weaving, illegal parking, and disregard for Traffic Rules are commonplace, creating a chaotic and dangerous driving Environment. This rampant indiscipline stems from a culture of impunity, where Violators often go unpunished, emboldening them to continue their reckless behavior.
Excesses of Government Agencies:
Compounding the issue of indiscipline is the tacit approval from Government Agencies. These Agencies often turn a blind eye to violations, failing to enforce Traffic Regulations effectively. This lax approach sends a clear message that breaking the Rules is acceptable, further exacerbating the Traffic chaos.
Extortionist Menace:
Hoodlums, otherwise known as Agberos in local parlance, have become a menace on Lekki Roads, extorting illegal Taxes from Public Transporters and Roadside Business Owners. These individuals often resort to violence and intimidation to enforce their demands, creating a climate of fear and insecurity. Their presence on the Roads adds to the chaos and undermines the Rule of Law.
Impact of Cashless Policy:
The implementation of Nigeria’s Cashless Policy has also introduced unforeseen challenges. Public Transport Operators and Roadside Vendors often lack the necessary Infrastructure to accept Cashless Payments, leading to delays and arguments among Commuters. This disruption in payment processes further complicates the Traffic situation, adding to the frustration of Commuters.
Path to Resolution:
Tackling the Traffic problem in Lekki requires a comprehensive approach addressing each contributing factor. The Government must prioritise scheduling Road Construction during non-peak hours and enforcing Traffic Regulations effectively. Motorists must take responsibility for maintaining Roadworthy Vehicles and adhering to Traffic Rules. Passengers should avoid impromptu stops and patronise Public Transport that complies with Traffic Regulations. Agberos must be dealt with firmly, and Cashless Transactions should be made more accessible.
Only through a concerted effort from all Stakeholders – Government Agencies, Law Enforcement Agencies, Transport Operators, and Individual Citizens.
Could the Traffic nightmare in Lekki be transformed into a more manageable and efficient System? Until then, Commuters will continue to bear the burden of this unnecessary chaos as their daily journeys transformed into a test of patience, resilience and character.
