Lagos residents battle floods, traffic, and rising costs amid heavy rains

Lagos residents are enduring a difficult rainy season, battling relentless downpours that have disrupted daily life across the sprawling metropolis. The persistent rainfall has resulted in widespread flooding, crippling traffic congestion, and a significant rise in transportation costs, while also threatening homes and businesses.

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I leave home early to avoid getting stuck in traffic. I always carry a backpack containing my rain boots and raincoat because you can never predict the weather. Whenever I am caught in the rain, I spend almost double my transport budget for the day because fares usually increase.

Commuters are forced to adapt by leaving home hours earlier or staying late at work to avoid the worst of the gridlock. Many now consider umbrellas, raincoats, and weather forecasts essential tools for navigating the unpredictable conditions. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency's forecast of a longer-than-normal rainy season with delayed cessation offers little respite.

For many, the increased travel time and higher fares mean spending significantly more on transportation. One resident noted that fares can double during heavy rains, forcing difficult choices about essential spending. Another resident reported that a full tank of fuel, normally lasting about ten days, now lasts less than seven due to increased time spent idling in traffic.

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A full tank lasts me about 10 days during normal weather, but when it rains continuously, it doesn’t even last up to seven days because of traffic. It is a daily struggle that I have to live with because I never get enough sleep.

Traders in Lagos face a mixed reality. While some, like umbrella sellers, see increased sales during unexpected downpours, others grapple with protecting their goods from water damage. The overall sentiment among residents is one of daily struggle, with the stress of the rainy season impacting sleep and overall well-being.

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I hate it when it rains. Instead of paying my usual N2,000 transport fare, I spend N3,000 or more. My salary is already accounted for, which means it is never enough. Spending extra will deprive me of one essential thing or another.