A public affairs analyst, Olowofela Olabode, has described daily commuting in Nigeria as mentally and physically exhausting for the average 9–5 worker, warning that worsening transportation challenges are affecting productivity, health, and overall quality of life.
Speaking during a policy discussion in Lagos, Olabode said many Nigerian workers now spend between three to six hours daily navigating traffic congestion, unreliable public transport, and deteriorating road infrastructure. According to him, the stress of commuting has become an unspoken burden that silently reduces efficiency at workplaces.
He noted that workers often arrive at offices already fatigued, frustrated, and mentally drained, making it difficult to maintain focus and performance throughout the day. Olabode argued that the situation has also increased cases of burnout, hypertension, and mental health challenges among workers.
“The average Nigerian worker wakes up before dawn, battles traffic for hours, and returns home late at night with little time for rest or family,” he said. “This is not sustainable for any economy that wants productivity.”
Olabode blamed the problem on years of underinvestment in mass transit systems, poor urban planning, and weak enforcement of traffic regulations. He said the situation is particularly severe in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
He called on federal and state governments to prioritize integrated transport solutions, including rail expansion, bus rapid transit systems, and better road maintenance. Employers were also urged to adopt flexible work arrangements where possible to reduce daily travel stress.
Labour unions have echoed similar concerns, warning that the cost of transportation, combined with commuting stress, is worsening workers’ welfare amid rising inflation.
