Commuters and motorists in Lagos on Wednesday faced severe disruptions as multiple roads were closed by security operatives for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held at Eko Hotels and Suites.
The high-profile event, attended by President Bola Tinubu and other West African leaders, triggered widespread traffic congestion across key parts of the city.
Many commercial drivers were left stranded, while frustrated passengers abandoned their vehicles and trekked long distances to reach their destinations.
Major access routes, including Alfred Rewane Road and Falomo Bridge in Ikoyi, as well as Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island, were completely shut to regular traffic. Despite travel advisories issued by the Lagos State Government earlier in the week, commuters said the extent of the lockdown was poorly communicated and even more poorly managed.
Alternative routes—such as Adetokunbo Ademola Road, Ozumba Mbadiwe, and Akin Adesola—were suggested by authorities, but the diversions did little to alleviate the chaos as gridlock persisted for hours.
Dr. Adeola Akin, a Lagos resident, expressed anger over the situation. “I lost millions of naira today because I missed an important business meeting,” she said. “I’ve made several appeals online and to the authorities for better traffic management during events like this. Must the entire city shut down because the president is visiting?”
Commercial transport operators also voiced their frustration. Raheem Adeola, a bus driver, lamented the loss of his daily income. “My boss won’t accept excuses. I have to deliver the full amount, even though I’ve been stuck in traffic for hours. Are we supposed to vacate Lagos whenever the president comes to town?”
In Oshodi, a passenger shared how her husband asked her to stay overnight at her sister’s house in Surulere because roads to their home in Lekki were impassable.
“Blocking roads like this is unfair,” she said. “We’re citizens too. Shutting us out of our neighborhoods because of an event sends the wrong message.”
At the time of filing this report, several major routes into Victoria Island remained under lockdown, with heavy security presence enforcing access restrictions.