Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has described the state’s traffic congestion as more than a transportation challenge, calling it “just a lifestyle” that has become woven into the everyday experience and cultural identity of the megacity.

Speaking on Friday at PodFest Naija 2026, a festival of stories held at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Hamzat addressed podcasters, content creators, filmmakers and other players in Nigeria’s creative economy. A video of the remarks, shared by News Central, quickly circulated and triggered widespread discussion.

He said, “I know that this is a festival of stories, so permit me to start with one.

“Not long ago, the story of Lagos was often told by other people. It was told in headlines about traffic, about crowds, about chaos. Some of those stories were not entirely wrong.

” Anyone who have crossed mainland bridge at 6PM knows that Lagos traffic is not a problem, it is just a lifestyle.

“In fact, I suspect that many of us in this room, you produce things that are consumed episode by episode between Ojota and Obalende.

“So in a way, traffic has been the patron of your industry. So you must celebrate traffic. You know, that’s why we are Lagos.”

Hamzat, who is also the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the 2027 election, linked the long hours Lagosians spend on the roads to the growth of podcasts, music and film consumption. He suggested that the daily grind between corridors such as Ojota and Obalende has created a captive audience for creators.

The remarks come amid persistent complaints about congestion on major arteries, including the Third Mainland Bridge at peak periods, and reports of worsening gridlock in areas such as Oshodi.

Some critics on X have accused the current administration of downplaying infrastructure shortfalls and treating a major economic and quality-of-life burden as an unchangeable cultural feature, while other users warned against viewing the comments as a positive signal for a potential Hamzat governorship.