"Poverty Has Made Everyone Park Their Car" – Isaac Fayose Claims Lagos Roads Are Empty Amid Rising Costs

 

Isaac Fayose, the outspoken socialite and brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has once again stirred public debate with a viral observation regarding the current state of Lagos traffic—or the lack thereof.

In a recent video post that has rapidly gained traction across social media, Fayose claimed that the usually congested roads of Nigeria’s commercial capital have become uncharacteristically clear, attributing the change to the country's deepening economic pressures.

The End of "Lagos Traffic"?

Lagos is world-renowned for its grueling gridlock, but according to Fayose, the "go-slow" that defined the city for decades is vanishing. He argued that the high cost of living and the skyrocketing price of fuel have forced many car owners to abandon their vehicles.

"Poverty has made everyone park their car," Fayose stated bluntly in the video. "Lagos roads are now empty. People can no longer afford the luxury of driving every day."

His commentary suggests that what appears to be improved traffic flow is actually a "forced lifestyle change" for the middle class, rather than the result of improved infrastructure or transport management.

Economic Strain on the Commuter

Fayose’s claim resonates with a growing sentiment among Nigerians grappling with the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent inflation that has affected everything from spare parts to routine maintenance.

See video: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSHwMWRrP/

Observers have noted several shifts in Lagos commuting patterns over the last few months:

 The Rise of Carpooling:More professionals are sharing rides to split the heavy cost of fuel.

 Shift to Public Transit: A noticeable increase in the patronage of the Blue and Red Rail lines, as well as the BRT bus system.

 Work-from-Home Returns:Some companies are reportedly reverting to remote or hybrid schedules to help employees manage transportation costs.

Public Reaction

The socialite's statement has sparked a mix of agreement and skepticism online. While many Lagosians confirmed that their travel times have significantly reduced, some argued that the roads are only "empty" during off-peak hours, maintaining that peak-period congestion remains a reality.

"It’s not that the roads are empty because the government did something right; it’s because the pocket is dry," one commenter noted on Instagram. Others pointed out that the increased cost of "Premium Motor Spirit" (PMS) has made the daily commute a math problem that many are failing to solve.

The Broader Context

Isaac Fayose is known for his candid, often humorous takes on Nigerian politics and social issues. However, beneath the viral nature of his latest claim lies a sobering reflection on the current economic climate. Whether the "empty roads" are a permanent fixture or a temporary symptom of the times remains to be seen, but for now, the usual roar of Lagos traffic seems to have quieted to a hum for many.