Lagos business owners are counting losses after a severe traffic congestion crippled the metropolis on Monday, disrupting commercial activities and leading to a sharp increase in transportation fares.
The gridlock affected major roads including Secretariat, 7-Up, MKO Abiola Garden, Estate, Ogudu, Ifako, and inward Lagos Island, causing a significant slowdown in traffic flow.
Commuters were stranded as bus scarcity pushed transport fares to unprecedented heights. The cost of travel from Ojodu Berger to Obalende surged from N1,000 to N1,500, while the Oworonshoki-New Garage route witnessed a hike from N500 to N700-N800. Similar increases were recorded on Yaba, Oshodi-Cele-Mile 12, and other routes.
A trader, Mrs. Akinbola Glory, described the situation as disastrous, revealing significant financial losses due to the traffic congestion. She lamented missed business opportunities and estimated losses of between N30,000 and N50,000 within an hour.
An artisan, Mr. Jamiu Usman, expressed frustration over the unexpected traffic, which caused a normally 20-minute journey to take over an hour.
Public bus driver, Kayode Durojaiye, attributed the fare hikes to increased fuel consumption caused by the gridlock and the rising cost of fuel.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) attributed the Ogudu traffic congestion to a seven-vehicle accident near the Total filling station. The agency deployed officers to manage the situation and clear the road.
