Commuters and motorists in Lagos on Wednesday have recounted the level of disruptions they faced as multiple roads were shut down by security operatives over the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States, which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites.
President Bola Tinubu’s visit, along with other West African leaders, caused gridlock across parts of the city.
Many commercial motorists were stranded, and passengers were forced to abandon their vehicles and continue their journeys on foot.
Major access roads, including Alfred Rewane Road and Falomo Bridge in Ikoyi and Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island, were shut down to regular traffic.
Despite earlier travel advisories issued by the Lagos State Government on Monday, frustration ran high among commuters who said they were caught off guard by the intensity of the lockdown.
It will be recalled that the Lagos State Government had announced alternative routes for affected motorists, including diversions via Adetokunbo Ademola Road, Ozumba Mbadiwe, and Akin Adesola. However, implementation appeared ineffective as congestion persisted throughout the morning.
A Lagos resident, Dr Adeola Akin, said, “I have lost millions of naira today because I missed an important business meeting.”
Akin, who was obviously angry over the development, added that “I have made several appeals online and to authorities asking for better traffic management during such visits. Must the entire city shut down because the president is in town?”
Public transport drivers in a group discussion with our correspondent also echoed their displeasures.
One of the commercial bus drivers, Raheem Adeola, said the delays cost him his daily earnings.
He, however, appealed to the authorities to find a lasting solution to related development going forward.
“My boss won’t accept excuses. I must deliver the full amount, even though I have been stuck in traffic for hours. Should we be afraid of the president’s visit? Or should we vacate the state whenever he comes?”
In Oshodi, another passenger lamented that her husband had called her to spend the night at her sister’s house in Surulere due to the inaccessible roads leading to their home in Lekki.
“Blocking roads like this is unfair. We’re citizens too. Shutting us out of our neighbourhoods because of an event sends the wrong message,” she said.
