Lagos residents were thrown into chaos on Wednesday as a high-profile summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) brought the city to a standstill, triggering hours-long gridlock across key routes.
The event, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island, drew several West African heads of state, prompting heavy security presence and road closures across the metropolis. Major areas including Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikoyi, and parts of the Mainland witnessed severe traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded and forcing many to trek long distances.
Our correspondent observed that traffic in affected areas moved at a crawling pace, while some residents abandoned buses altogether, opting to complete their journeys on foot.
Security agencies had cordoned off critical roads to facilitate smooth movement for visiting dignitaries, a move that, while expected, caught many residents off guard due to what they described as poor communication from authorities.
“I spent nearly four hours in this hold-up — a trip that normally takes 20 minutes,” said Ayomide, a private driver. “We understand the need to host presidents, but the government should have properly informed the public or provided alternatives.”
Commercial drivers, visibly frustrated, parked their vehicles in protest. Many cited skyrocketing fuel prices and loss of income.
“No movement, no customers, and fuel is now over ₦900 per litre in some places,” lamented Ademola Seyi, a danfo driver operating the Obalende–CMS route. “They just blocked everywhere without notice,” he added in Pidgin English.
The ripple effect of the disruption was felt across the city. Ronke Odugbemi, a trader en route to Balogun Market, said she had to trek from Ozumba Mbadiwe to Tinubu Square with her goods.
“I carried my goods on my head for over an hour. Even okadas weren’t allowed. It’s madness,” she said angrily.
Despite efforts by police officers and personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to manage the situation, the overwhelming volume of rerouted vehicles rendered most interventions ineffective.
Responding to the public outcry, LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq attributed the disruption to temporary road diversions necessitated by the high-level summit. He noted that traffic officers were stationed at strategic locations to ease congestion but acknowledged the severity of the situation.
Comments