Why Everyone in Lagos is Always in a Hurry — And Where They’re Rushing To
Welcome to Lagos — the city where even time can’t keep up.
If you’ve ever stood on a street in Lagos and watched people move, one thing becomes clear: everyone’s in a rush. Whether it’s 5AM or 10PM, Lagosians are perpetually moving fast — talking fast, walking fast, even thinking fast. But why?
This article breaks down the reasons behind this endless hurry — and where, exactly, everyone is rushing to. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
1. Lagos is a Race Against Time
Lagos is one of the most densely populated cities in Africa, with over 20 million people competing for the same limited resources — roads, buses, jobs, food, and time. If you don’t move quickly, someone else will get ahead. In Lagos, “early bird gets the worm” isn’t just a saying — it’s survival.
2. The Fear of Traffic is Real
Ask any Lagosian what they’re rushing from, and the answer is likely: “Go-slow.” Lagos traffic is brutal and unpredictable. A journey that takes 20 minutes at 6AM could take three hours by 8AM. This forces residents to adopt “panic punctuality” — leaving for work hours early to beat the gridlock.
3. Hustle Never Sleeps
Most Lagosians juggle multiple streams of income. That office worker might also be running a food business, managing online sales, or moonlighting as a bolt driver. The pressure to make ends meet pushes people to constantly be on the move — every second counts.
4. Fear of Missing Opportunities (FOMO x Lagos)
In Lagos, missing one opportunity could mean waiting another six months. Whether it’s a job interview, customer deal, or a call from “one big man,” Lagosians are always alert and rushing because time-sensitive opportunities pop up randomly. Move slow, and you miss out.
5. Social Status = Busyness
In Lagos culture, being busy is a badge of honor. If you’re not rushing somewhere, you’re probably seen as unserious or lazy. Even if they have nowhere urgent to be, some Lagosians walk fast just to look like they’re “on the move.”
6. From Work to Worship, Everything is Timed
Church by 7AM. School run by 6:30. Work at 8. Market by 10. In Lagos, schedules are intense and back-to-back. People move with urgency because their day is chopped into timed blocks — and lateness can mean lost money, missed appointments, or even locked gates.
So Where Are They Rushing To?
Mainland to Island commutes (often 3+ hours)
Job interviews or side hustles
Markets before price inflation hits
Church services and midweek vigils
School drop-offs and pick-ups
Endless appointments and runs
Basically — everywhere and nowhere. Lagosians aren’t just rushing to something; many are rushing away from stress, scarcity, and delay.
Final Thoughts
Lagos is speed. Lagos is motion. Lagos is urgency.
If you’re ever walking slowly on the sidewalk and someone bumps you with a sharp “Excuse me!” — don’t take it personally. It’s not rudeness — it’s the Lagos spirit in motion.
So next time you step out, tighten your shoelaces. Because in Lagos, the rush never sleeps.