In the past nine months, at least 12 Nigerian states have collected a total of N2.1 billion in fines imposed on individuals who violated traffic rules, according to Open Nigerian States, a website supported by budgIT that serves as a repository for government budget data. Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub, led with the highest number of traffic offenders, resulting in the state receiving N1.9 billion during the reviewed period.
First-time offenders in Lagos caught driving without a valid driver’s license face a fine of N20,000, as per the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018. Subsequent violations may lead to either a N20,000 fine or an additional penalty of vehicle impoundment. Disobeying traffic control personnel attracts a N20,000 fine for first-time offenders, while subsequent offenders pay a fine of N30,000 and face additional penalties such as vehicle impoundment or undergoing training at the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI).
The prevalence of fines in Lagos is attributed to its dense population, as Lagos is the most populous state in Nigeria, which itself is the most populous country in Africa. A study by the Danne Institute for Research revealed that Lagos loses N4 trillion annually due to traffic congestion. Behavioral factors, poor road infrastructure, activities at bus stops, and violations of traffic laws contribute to the congestion, with Lagosians spending an average of 2.21 hours commuting daily, according to the report. Approximately 45 percent of residents spend more than two hours on their daily commute.
