Persistent rainfall in Lagos yesterday disrupted commercial activities and slowed movement across the state as traders, commuters and motorists grappled with the effects of the prolonged downpour.
The rain, which began around 5:25 a.m. and persisted until about 4:20 p.m., left several roads and walkways flooded. Pedestrians were compelled to seek shelter in available places with covers while motorists navigated waterlogged sections with caution.
Business activities in major commercial areas were significantly affected as many traders recorded low patronage, with customers staying away because of the weather.
Some street traders struggled to protect their wares from the rain, while others suspended business temporarily as floodwater encroached on their trading spaces.
Commuters travelling to work and other destinations also experienced delays, with many stranded at bus stops waiting for the rain to subside before continuing their journeys.
However, commercial motorcycle operators emerged among the few beneficiaries of the situation as many commuters turned to them to beat traffic and access routes difficult for other vehicles.
A trader, Kazeem Ramota, said the all-day rainfall had drastically reduced customer turnout and affected sales.
“I’ve worn about three different raincoats today, and they all got torn. As you can see, it’s been very cold. The place where I’m supposed to display my goods is flooded, so I’m selling from this small corner, and I’ve barely made any sales since I arrived,” she said.
Ramota added that blocked drainage channels had worsened flooding in the area, leaving roads and walkways submerged.
A commuter, Yakub Isah, said the heavy downpour made movement difficult and predicted an increase in transport fares.
“Buses have barely left the park because there are very few passengers on the road. Patronage has been low, and transport fares will definitely go up,” he said.
A commercial motorcylist, Aminu Murairu, said demand for motorcycle rides increased sharply as commuters sought faster alternatives through the traffic.
Because of the rain, many people want to beat the traffic and get to their destinations quickly, so they resort to using motorcycles. We wear raincoats and continue working despite the weather.
“At least I’ll make some money today. There is flooding everywhere, so we also avoid heavily flooded roads,” he said.
Also reliving his experience, Emeka Igwe, a computer hardware trader at Tinubu Square on Lagos Island, described the day as one of his most difficult commutes in recent times.
Igwe, who travels daily from Ojodu Berger to Lagos Island, said he left home around 9 a.m. but found no buses at Berger Bus Stop. He then proceeded to the BRT terminal, where hundreds of commuters were waiting.
“I waited for about one hour and 45 minutes before I could board a bus to Lagos Island. By the time we got onto the Third Mainland Bridge, traffic was almost at a standstill,” he said.
According to him, floodwaters submerged parts of Tinubu Square and adjoining streets, making movement difficult for traders and customers.
On the question that what did he wants the government to do to arrest the situation, Mr. Solomon Adigwe, a textile materials trader in Tinubu square said Lagos state government should work on clearing all the drainage systems across Lagos to allow free flow of water from upland down to the lagoon.
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