Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, experienced an unprecedented traffic catastrophe on Wednesday, April 2, that left thousands of commuters stranded for hours, among them Nollywood superstar Funke Akindele and popular comedian Nasboi, who both took to social media to document their ordeals.
The severe gridlock, which transformed 15-minute journeys into four-hour marathons for some residents, resulted from a perfect storm of challenges: ongoing road construction across Lagos Island, heavy morning rainfall, and a surge of commuters returning to work following the two-day Eid-el-Fitr holiday on March 31 and April 1.
Funke Akindele, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actresses and filmmakers, captured the collective frustration with her characteristic humor. She shared an image of herself floating in a swimming pool with the caption: “Me trying to stay afloat in yesterday’s Lagos traffic! Traffic Ana Ma gbomi o 
#LagosLife Who else was stuck in traffic yesterday?” The post resonated with thousands of her followers who had experienced similar predicaments.
Nasboi, a rising star in Nigeria’s entertainment industry known for his comedy skits and music, was more direct in expressing his disbelief at the situation. He posted a photo revealing the extent of the congestion, writing: “Na wetin my eye see today. 15 mins journey to almost 4 hours.” The image showed an endless sea of vehicles at a complete standstill, highlighting the magnitude of the crisis.
The traffic chaos was particularly severe on different sections of the Third Mainland Bridge, one of Lagos’ most crucial transportation arteries connecting the mainland to the island business districts. Construction work on roads leading to and from the bridge created bottlenecks that rippled throughout the city’s interconnected road network.
Social media platforms exploded with accounts of traffic horror stories as “Lagos traffic” quickly became a trending topic on X (formerly Twitter). Many commenters shared their experiences, with some reporting that they had been forced to abandon their vehicles and walk long distances to reach their destinations.
I would still be there if I didn’t walk lol,” commented model and media personality Idia Aisien on Funke Akindele’s post, indicating that pedestrian travel had become the only viable option for many.
Even more shocking were reports of commuters who had spent the entire night on the road. User @olayinka_bunmi revealed: “My friend got back from yesterday work this morning 4:43am,” highlighting the extreme situations faced by some Lagos residents.
The traffic paralysis exposed the fragility of Lagos’ transportation infrastructure when faced with multiple concurrent challenges. Urban planning experts have long warned that the city’s rapid population growth has outpaced infrastructure development, creating a system that breaks down catastrophically when strained by additional factors such as construction projects or adverse weather.
For many residents, the gridlock represented more than just an inconvenience—it became a genuine quality of life concern. User @misspwettyberry commented: “It was not even funny! Got home past 1am,” illustrating how the traffic situation had disrupted normal life patterns and eating into crucial rest time.
The crisis prompted reflections on living and working arrangements in Lagos, with many expressing gratitude for proximity between their homes and workplaces. User @faith_ibidun noted: “For those of us that stay and work in the same area we dont know what the lord has done for us i can trek to my place of work in less than 20min.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by @oluchukwu_jenny, who wrote: “So me we Dey work for mainland and leave in mainland i thank God oo,” suggesting that the traffic nightmare had prompted a broader conversation about urban living arrangements and the benefits of reducing commute distances.
The Lagos State Government has previously acknowledged the challenges posed by ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly around the Lagos Island area. Officials have repeatedly asked for residents’ patience, emphasizing that the short-term pain of construction will eventually yield long-term benefits through improved road networks and traffic flow.
However, critics argue that better planning and coordination could mitigate the extreme disruptions currently being experienced. Urban transportation experts suggest that major construction projects should be accompanied by comprehensive traffic management plans, including temporary alternative routes, expanded public transportation options, and better communication with residents.
The involvement of celebrities like Funke Akindele and Nasboi in highlighting the traffic situation brings additional attention to an issue that affects millions of Lagosians daily. Their platform allows them to amplify concerns that might otherwise be normalized as simply “the Lagos experience.
Transportation analysts note that while traffic congestion is a common feature of major metropolitan areas worldwide, the severity experienced in Lagos often exceeds global norms. The combination of limited road infrastructure, inadequate public transportation alternatives, and a growing population of private vehicle owners creates particularly challenging conditions.
As Lagos continues its path toward becoming one of the world’s largest megacities, sustainable solutions to its transportation challenges will require multifaceted approaches, including expanded mass transit systems, smarter urban planning, and potentially policies to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road during peak hours.
For now, however, residents continue to adapt and share their experiences, finding community in their shared struggle through social media. The traffic crisis serves as a reminder that despite Lagos’ economic importance and vibrant culture, basic infrastructure challenges remain a significant obstacle to quality of life in Nigeria’s most populous city.
As actress Wumi Toriola aptly commented on Funke Akindele’s post: “I am figuratively still on the road,” capturing the sentiment that for many, the psychological impact of the gridlock lingers long after the physical journey has ended.
