Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has described the city’s notorious traffic congestion as more than a transportation headache, calling it an integral part of everyday life in the megacity.
Speaking at PODFEST Naija, a gathering of storytellers, podcasters and creatives, Hamzat reflected on how Lagos has long been defined by outsiders through narratives of traffic, crowds and chaos. While acknowledging that some of those descriptions hold truth, he offered a different perspective.
“Anyone who has crossed Third Mainland Bridge at 6pm knows that Lagos traffic is not a problem; it is just a lifestyle,” Hamzat said.
He went further, suggesting that the hours Lagosians spend stuck in gridlock have inadvertently supported the creative industry. Many residents consume podcasts, music and other content during long commutes, particularly along busy corridors such as the stretch between Ojota and Obalende.
“In fact, I suspect that many of us in this room produce things that are consumed episode by episode between Ojota and Obalende. So in a way, traffic has been a patron of your industry. So you must celebrate traffic. That’s why we are Lagos,” he added.
Hamzat also noted that Lagos is increasingly taking control of its own story through the work of its podcasters, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers and entrepreneurs, moving beyond the external portrayals that once dominated.
The remarks, which have circulated widely online, come as residents continue to face persistent congestion on major roads and bridges, especially during peak hours.
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