Nigeria has been ranked as the African country with the worst traffic congestion in 2025, according to a report by Numbeo, a leading provider of cost of living indexes. The country tops the list with a traffic commute time index of 65.3, followed closely by Kenya with an index of 50.6, Egypt with 48.0, South Africa with 38.6, and Morocco with 35.2.

The traffic index measures the intensity of traffic congestion in a city or nation, taking into account travel times, traffic delays, and the overall inefficiency of the transportation system. Cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Cairo are notorious for their extreme traffic congestion, which has a significant impact on daily living and economic output.

A major contributor to traffic congestion in Africa is the poor maintenance of roadways, which are often small, inadequate, or poorly maintained, leading to overcrowding and increased automobile traffic. The lack of reliable and efficient public transportation services also encourages individuals to rely on their personal vehicles, exacerbating the problem.

Rapid urbanization without effective urban planning is another significant factor contributing to high congestion levels. As cities grow rapidly, the infrastructure often fails to keep pace, leading to overcrowding and increased traffic. Additionally, poor enforcement of traffic regulations can lead to chaotic driving conditions, further exacerbating the problem.

The consequences of high traffic congestion are far-reaching, with long commute times, fuel wastage, and increased logistics costs for businesses. Employees spend excessive hours stuck in traffic, rather than contributing to economic activities, and fuel consumption increases as vehicles idle in traffic, putting additional financial pressure on citizens.

Numbeo's data shows the traffic index of only six African countries, indicating that the list is not exhaustive. However, the report provides valuable insights into the traffic congestion challenges faced by many African countries and highlights the need for effective urban planning, improved infrastructure, and better traffic management to mitigate the problem.

The ranking is based on Numbeo's quality of life index, which provides a comprehensive picture of the living conditions in different cities and countries. The index takes into account various factors, including traffic congestion, to provide a holistic view of the quality of life in different regions.

In conclusion, Nigeria's ranking as the African country with the worst traffic congestion in 2025 is a wake-up call for policymakers and urban planners to address the issue urgently. By investing in improved infrastructure, promoting efficient public transportation, and enforcing traffic regulations, African countries can reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall quality of life for their citizens.