If you’ve never experienced these six things in Nigerian traffic, are you even Nigerian?
Nigeria is known for its vibrant culture, unique habits, and—of course—its notorious traffic jams. Whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, one thing is certain: traffic hold-ups (or “go-slows”) are part of everyday life. But what truly makes the experience interesting is the unmistakable way Nigerians react to them.
From heated arguments to roadside shopping, here are six traffic habits that define a true Nigerian:
1. Impulse Buying from Hawkers
Stuck in traffic? No worries—you can do your grocery shopping right from your car! Nigerian traffic is a moving market where you’ll find everything from snacks and drinks to household items and even puppies. If you’ve never bought gala and a cold drink while waiting for traffic to move, you’re missing out!
2. Trading Insults Like a Pro
Road rage? More like road entertainment! Nigerian traffic is never complete without drivers and passengers throwing creative insults at each other. Whether it’s “Your head dey touch?” or “Come down if you get mind!”—exchanging words is practically a sport on Nigerian roads.
3. Complaining About Everything
Traffic jams are the perfect setting for Nigerians to vent. From high fuel prices to government policies and the latest celebrity gossip, every hold-up turns into a free-for-all discussion about the state of the nation.
4. Storytelling & Breaking News
Enter a Nigerian public bus, and you’ll always find that one storyteller who claims to know everything happening in the country. They can tell you about a political scandal, a distant village dispute, or even why your neighbor’s marriage ended. Whether true or exaggerated, these tales make traffic bearable.
5. Scrolling Endlessly on Your Phone
TikTok videos, WhatsApp statuses, Twitter trends—Nigerians turn to their phones for survival in traffic. Just be careful! Traffic thieves are always on the lookout for distracted phone users, so hold your device tightly.
6. Sleeping
If you’ve never dozed off in a bus or tricycle during traffic, are you even a Lagosian? With long work hours and stressful commutes, many Nigerians turn their vehicles into temporary nap zones. Just don’t be surprised if your seatmate starts snoring!
Traffic in Nigeria is frustrating, but these experiences make it uniquely ours. How many of these have you experienced? Share in the comments! 🚦🚗💨