- Alibaba recounted his personal experience of being stuck in traffic for over 13 hours, highlighting the severity of Lagos's congestion
- The comedian emphasised the need for efficient transportation systems, specifically trains, to alleviate Lagos's notorious traffic congestion
- His post has seen reactions from netizens
Nigerian comedian Alibaba has joined the chorus of frustrated Lagos residents after experiencing one of the city’s worst traffic gridlocks on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
Alibaba took to his Instagram page to share his personal experience, revealing that he spent an exhausting 13 hours in traffic.
The comedian was forced to call for backup, requesting that someone bring him more fuel to avoid running out.
"So I finally made it to my office, and I ran out of fuel. MC Shina had to bring fuel for me because it was 12 hours and 47 minutes. We need trains," Alibaba exclaimed.
The chaos began early on Wednesday morning, following the closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina-bound) for repairs.
The shutdown triggered massive congestion, paralyzing key parts of Lagos Island and leaving commuters stranded for hours.
Alibaba's experience was not an isolated incident, as many motorists reported being trapped in traffic for over 12 hours, with some arriving home as late as 7 a.m. the next day.
The comedian's frustration was palpable as he emphasised the need for a more efficient transportation system in Lagos. "We need trains in Nigeria, underground trains, overhead trains. Overhead trains especially, since Lagos is a coastal area, we have a lot of water. That is the only way. Eko shi má dá, ó ń dá bo. (Lagos will still be great.)"
Alibaba's sentiments echo the concerns of many Lagos residents, who are calling for improved infrastructure and transportation options to alleviate the city's notorious traffic congestion.
Reactions trail Alibaba's post
Here are some reactions below;
@wedeserveour_politicians wrote: “Ever wondered how we read about slavery 400 years ago and just ask questions, Same thing too about future generations in 300yrs time would back at some of our videos and wondered what sort of people lived in this country.”
@paulonomeomuru wrote: “Eko ma da. Well done Ose.”
@2sevenc wrote: “Water transport too. Mega city with just 1 major means of transport (& the roads aren't even good), is that one mega city?”
@thegeorgewill wrote: “With all the traffic stress daddy shirt no squeeze, T-shirt collar still stand no stain, better orijinal sure coming to sleep in the wardrobe ㅊㅊㅊ daddy underground tube trains can be made but who knows this country wey snake dey swallow billions.”
@tesguru wrote: “I concur.”
@call_me_vickt wrote: “who will construct the train biko?”
@rayslaker wrote: “Alternative measures ought to have been put in place by the govt before closing down such a route.”
@ola_bunmi wrote: “Boss we Dey the traffic together. I spent 12hrs plus getting to me destination it is well.”
@oladapo_johnson22 wrote: “Im learning how to stop arhhh.....ummm and ehhhh...... in conversations by replacing them with short pauses.... I salute Sir!”
@edmund_onoriode wrote: “Water transport is key also.”
@fortune_nwike wrote: “It's is because everything is centered on Lagos, They should move institutions to other states to help decongest the state, a state where it's only one way in one way out... move the Port to Rivers, Calabar not everything Lagos.”
@bros_deji wrote: “Nigerian Elites what happened to bicycles and power bikes??? Let's tell ourselves the truth, Nigerian elites needs to be versatile many of you are too basic,”
@eleeshaofficial wrote: “Kpele sir 🙏.”
@anjyroc wrote: “Amin e po!”
@chike5024 wrote: “Meanwhile the BRT dey close by 7pm..... With very limited routes.”
Lagos introduces new systems, fines to tackle traffic violations
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Lagos introduced four new Intelligent Transport System (ITS) sites to monitor traffic.
Fines imposed for traffic violations, with text message notifications sent to violators.
Partnership with Huawei Technologies strengthened Lagos' traffic management strategy.