Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has clarified his recent comments on traffic congestion, saying some statements were taken out of context.

He addressed concerns at an event on Sunday evening, following feedback on his remarks at the 2026 PodFest Naija in Lagos.

During the creative industry gathering on Friday, Hamzat mentioned that Lagos traffic has become an integral part of urban life and unexpectedly plays a role in entertainment consumption.

He explained that many residents listen to podcasts and other media while commuting, especially along heavily travelled routes like Ojota to Obalende and across the Third Mainland Bridge.

“Anyone who has crossed the Third Mainland Bridge at 6 pm knows that Lagos traffic is not a problem; it’s just a lifestyle,” Hamzat said.

During the event, he told creative professionals that traffic patterns have unexpectedly supported their industry, as locals frequently view their content during commutes.

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

The remarks sparked reactions, including criticism from African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who has made traffic and other challenges in Lagos part of his campaign messaging.

Rhodes-Vivour highlighted flooding, housing shortages, and traffic congestion as key challenges facing Lagos inhabitants.

In response to the reactions, Hamzat urged people to view his remarks in a broader context.

“What I said in my speech vs. what people took out of context,” the deputy governor said while responding to the controversy.

Hamzat primarily highlighted Lagos's vibrant creative scene and emphasised how the city's distinct atmosphere has shaped the work of content creators.

He noted that Lagos is progressively crafting its own narrative through the efforts of podcasters, filmmakers, musicians, writers, designers, developers, and entrepreneurs.

ASA