ASSESSMENT OF PERSISTENT TRAFFIC CONGESTION HOTSPOTS AND EFFICIENCY OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AGENCIES IN LAGOS METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Rapid urbanization and the growing population in Lagos Metropolis have made traffic congestion become a significant problem, affecting daily life and economic productivity. While there has been extensive research on the analysis of traffic congestion in various parts of the world, studies specifically focusing on Lagos remain relatively limited. Thus, this study aims to assess persistent traffic congestion hotspots and the efficiency of traffic management agencies in Lagos. The objectives include; identifying routes with frequent congestion, analyzing variations in congestion levels across selected routes and evaluating commuter perceptions of the efficiency of traffic management agencies. A total of 1000 commuters were selected using stratified random sampling, with major traffic-prone routes in Lagos Metropolis serving as strata. Proportional allocation based on traffic volume ensured representative coverage of high-congestion areas, and commuters were randomly surveyed within each stratum. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test for statistically significant differences in congestion levels and perceived agency efficiency across routes. Findings revealed notable variations in congestion levels among routes (F=42.679; p<0.05), confirming that specific areas consistently experience more severe congestion. Additionally, significant differences were observed in commuter perceptions of agency efficiency (F=15.196; p<0.05), suggesting variability in performance across locations. The study concludes that traffic congestion in Lagos is spatially uneven, and that the efficiency of traffic management agencies is inconsistent. It recommends a significant investment in the expansion and modernization of public transportation infrastructure, integrating advanced technological solutions into traffic management, promotion of alternative transportation options, such as cycling and carpooling to promote sustainable mobility with a need to educate the public on traffic rules and regulations to remain an essential component of effective traffic management.