The festive excitement of Detty December in Lagos comes with an unavoidable companion: severe traffic gridlock. As reported by Azeez Kareem on 20 December 2025, the city's roads are experiencing intense congestion from dawn until late at night. This annual squeeze is driven by end-of-year travel, numerous concerts, weddings, shopping sprees, and an influx of visitors eager to experience Lagos's vibrant festive season.
Master Your Timing and Route Strategy
One of the most critical survival tactics is adjusting your travel schedule. The least congested periods are typically before 6:30 am and after 10 pm, once peak evening events have wound down. Midday, once a reliable window, has become increasingly chaotic due to overlapping shopping trips, office closures, and logistics deliveries.
Route flexibility is equally vital. During Detty December, familiar roads can be blocked by accidents, roadside trading, or security checkpoints without warning. While real-time navigation apps and radio updates are useful, seasoned drivers advise against blindly following digital shortcuts, as they can funnel traffic into unsuitable residential streets. Knowing several alternative arterial routes is a more reliable strategy.
Embrace Alternative Transport Options
This season is an ideal time to explore Lagos's evolving public transport network. The Blue Line rail service and regulated bus corridors offer a respite from the standstill traffic. For instance, the route from Mile Two to Costain provides a predictable alternative to the frustrating gridlock on parallel roads.
Water transport along the Lagos Lagoon also sees increased patronage, particularly for journeys connecting Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island. Considering these options can significantly cut travel time and stress.
Prepare Your Mindset and Essentials
Surviving December in Lagos requires mental fortitude as much as planning. Accepting that delays are inevitable can reduce frustration. Prepare for long stints in traffic by carrying water, light snacks, and ensuring your mobile devices are fully charged.
Employers are increasingly acknowledging the seasonal challenge by offering flexible closing hours or remote work in the year's final weeks. For social outings, strategies like carpooling, confirming parking arrangements in advance, and staggering arrival times can alleviate congestion around popular venues.
Despite the notorious gridlock, Detty December remains a cornerstone of Lagos's cultural and economic calendar. The key to navigating it successfully lies not in avoiding traffic but in intelligent planning and adaptability. As a final tip, keep an ear out for confirmation on the rumoured free train ride from Lagos to Ibadan, which could become a valuable route to bypass road congestion entirely.
