I had forgotten just how hectic traveling in Lagos could be. The traffic is just from another planet and having been away for so long, it’s taking me quite a while to reintegrate myself into this pattern. It’s not been easy having to deal with this change in traffic issues, because it’s way different from what I was used to.
Back in Owerri, traffic was not always this bad. I think I talked about it before. The traffic was really trustworthy, you could estimate when you would reach wherever you were going to. You can be rest assured that if you should spend ten minutes on the road, nothing at all would make you spend more than that unless you absolutely choose to.
It’s not always like that, I know. Sometimes, accidents happen and people end up spending more time on the road, but these surges in traffic are far apart and they don’t happen so often. The number one cause of traffic in Imo State is the numerous checkpoints that are dotted all over the state. Other than that, it should be smooth sailing wherever you’re traveling to.
In Lagos though, it’s a different ball game entirely. Having to step out, one has to leave the house hours before the due date just so that you can get there right on time. This doesn’t exclude you from the struggle that you’d have to go through just to get into vehicles or even drive your car. Everything is a struggle and if you’re not careful, you’d remain in a spot without moving even an inch.
So, the Owerri mentality has followed me down to Lagos and I have to adjust as soon as possible. If not I’d find myself being late to important meet-ups and always having to fight everyone when I need to get on the bus. I’m not really fazed though. I grew up here, after all, it’s only a matter of time before I acclimatize myself to the system once again. I’m certain that it’d be fine.
But then, if history serves me right, I think this would be that one period of the year when Lagos might not be so choked up with traffic. This is because it’s the holiday season and just about everyone will travel. With so many people traveling, the road might just be a bit free and the traffic would be more reliable.
However, on the flip side, traffic-wise this can also translate into the worst period of the year in the south-east. Besides so many people coming home to celebrate the holidays, we also have numerous festivals that will be happening all over the various Igbo states. These festivals take place on the roads, they involve processions and carnivals that always block traffic. So, many people always end up getting stuck on the road for hours.
It’s the season, so I guess that it’s all good and fine. I know that when it’s all over, everyone will return to their places of primary hustle, and life will continue as usual. But for now, we’re in the thick of the season, so I want to just get used to being back in Lagos. It’s been quite a while, indeed.
