Simple tips to avoid traffic congestion during festive periods

Festive periods in Nigeria are marked by celebrations, family reunions, and, unfortunately, heavy traffic congestion. From major cities like Lagos and Abuja to inter-state highways, roads become overcrowded with vehicles, causing frustration and delays. 

Navigating through this period requires smart planning and a bit of strategy. Here are practical tips on avoiding traffic congestion during Nigeria’s festive seasons.

1. Be Patient and Mentally Prepared

No matter how much you plan, traffic congestion is sometimes unavoidable during festive seasons. The best strategy in such situations is to stay calm and patient. For an enjoyable experience, you can carry snacks, drinks, and entertainment like podcasts or music. 

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2. Plan Your Travel Early

One of the most effective ways to avoid traffic during festive periods is to travel before the rush begins. It is not advisable to wait until a day or two before the festive holiday to make your journeys, which often results in packed roads and long delays. If possible, plan your trip at least a week before the major holiday period and consider leaving mid-week instead of on Fridays or Saturdays, when most people are on the road.

3. Use Alternative Routes

During festive periods, major highways and popular roads like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Onitsha-Owerri Road are often congested. Explore alternative backroads and lesser-known routes instead of relying solely on these main routes. 

Modern navigation apps like Google Maps can be useful as they provide real-time traffic updates and suggest alternate routes to avoid bottlenecks.

4. Avoid Peak Travel Hours

Peak hours during festive seasons are usually between 7:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm when most people head to work, home, or festive gatherings. To avoid congestion, schedule your trips during off-peak periods. Traveling early in the morning or late at night can significantly reduce the likelihood of getting stuck in traffic.

5. Leverage Technology (Traffic Apps and Navigation Tools)

Technology is a lifesaver during festive periods. Apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps provide real-time traffic data, helping you avoid congested routes. These apps can alert you to accidents, road closures, and alternative paths. Some even provide estimated travel times so you can decide the best time to start your journey.

You only need to enable notifications for real-time traffic updates on your phone. This way, you can adjust your route if there is sudden congestion ahead.

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6. Consider Public Transportation

In festive periods like this, using public transport like BRT buses, trains, or commercial buses is sometimes beneficial rather than driving your private car. In cities like Lagos, the BRT system operates on dedicated lanes, allowing buses to move faster than private vehicles. Public transport means you don’t have to worry about dealing with gridlock.

As a bonus, if you’re using public transport like the train, you should book your tickets in advance, especially for interstate travel, as demand surges during festive seasons.

Traffic congestion during Nigeria’s festive periods is inevitable, but with thoughtful planning, you can reduce its impact on your schedule.