Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Obafemi Hamzat, has clarified his recent description of the state’s notorious traffic situation as a “lifestyle” following criticism from some Nigerians.
Hamzat had made the remark while speaking at PODFEST Naija, where he discussed the relationship between Lagos traffic and the state’s creative industry. His comments subsequently attracted reactions online, with some people interpreting the statement as an attempt to downplay the difficulties faced by commuters.
Speaking at the event, Hamzat said Lagos traffic had become an unexpected driver of content consumption because many residents listen to podcasts, watch videos and consume other forms of entertainment while commuting.
He referenced the busy route between Ojota and Obalende and the Third Mainland Bridge, saying, “Anyone who has crossed the Third Mainland Bridge at 6 pm knows that Lagos traffic is not a problem; it’s just a lifestyle.”
Hamzat further told creatives that traffic had, in effect, become a patron of their industry because Lagosians often consume their work while stuck on the roads.
He urged the audience to “celebrate traffic” as part of what he described as the Lagos experience. The comments were subsequently circulated widely online.
The deputy governor’s wider remarks, however, focused on the growth of Lagos’ creative economy and the role of local storytellers in shaping the image of the city.
He said Lagos had historically been portrayed by outsiders through stories about its traffic, crowds and perceived chaos, but argued that the city’s creative community was increasingly telling its own stories.
According to Hamzat, podcasters, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers, developers and entrepreneurs were helping to present Lagos to a global audience.
He also said the state was supporting innovation and research and development across areas including health, education, mobility, film, technology, climate and culture. He urged creatives to develop sustainable business models instead of relying solely on audience size.
Hamzat warned that a podcast with a large audience but without a viable business model could remain commercially unsustainable. He encouraged creators to build businesses, protect their intellectual property and develop their work into sustainable enterprises.
The deputy governor also linked safety and freedom to the development of the creative sector, arguing that people need to feel secure before they can fully express themselves and develop their ideas.
The controversy over the traffic comment comes as congestion remains a significant issue in Lagos, with traffic enforcement agencies continuing operations at major flashpoints. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority recently impounded 84 vehicles during enforcement operations in areas including Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.
The enforcement agency cited offences including driving against traffic, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised locations as garages.
Hamzat is also preparing for the 2027 Lagos governorship election as the APC candidate. His political campaign has attracted support from groups including the KOH 4 Lagos Students Movement, which recently announced its adoption of Hamzat and other candidates ahead of the elections.
The controversy surrounding his traffic remarks has therefore emerged within a wider political and public debate over transportation, infrastructure and the quality of life in Lagos.
While Hamzat’s original statement focused on how traffic has influenced content consumption and the creative economy, reactions to the comment have highlighted the different ways residents experience Lagos’ longstanding congestion problem.
