Lagos residents and motorists are set to experience major traffic disruptions today as President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit the state. As is often the case with presidential visits, road closures and heavy security measures are expected, leading to significant commuting challenges throughout the day.
The president’s visit is likely to cause traffic mayhem along key routes in the city, particularly around areas the convoy is expected to pass. For residents and drivers, this means long delays, detours, and possible road closures, especially along routes leading to and from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and other prominent locations in Lagos.
Whenever the president visits Lagos, the city’s already heavy traffic gets even worse due to security protocols and roadblocks set up to ensure his safety. Major routes, such as the Airport Road through Oshodi and the Third Mainland Bridge, are usually among the most affected. Motorists traveling on these roads can expect severe delays as the convoy moves through, especially around the president’s destination in Ikoyi.
Security is heightened wherever the president travels, and it is not uncommon for road closures to begin hours before his convoy arrives. This leaves many drivers stuck for long periods in traffic, unable to move. Once the president’s convoy passes, the roads are often reopened, but the chaos does not end there. Drivers, frustrated by the long waits, often rush to continue their journeys with a mix of impatience and road rage, further compounding the traffic nightmare.
In addition to roadblocks, large numbers of security personnel, including the military, police, navy, and civil defense officers, will be stationed along these routes to maintain order and enforce security. While their presence is necessary, it often results in further inconvenience for residents, as security checks are carried out, sometimes leading to tension between motorists, pedestrians, and the security forces.
President Tinubu has made several official visits to Lagos since his inauguration in May 2023, each bringing its own set of challenges for Lagosians. These visits include key moments, such as his return to Lagos on June 27, 2023, after a seven-day trip abroad. His visit in February 2024 to launch the Red Rail Line and his appearance in Lagos in December 2024, shortly after presenting the 2025 federal budget to the National Assembly, were also marked by heavy security and traffic disruptions.
One of the more notable incidents occurred during his January 2025 visit to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, at the Iga Idunganran Palace on Lagos Island. As with previous visits, the roads leading to the palace were closed off for hours, causing significant traffic jams in the area.
For Lagosians, these regular visits by the president have become synonymous with inconvenience. While many understand the need for security and the importance of presidential visits, the disruptions are becoming a growing source of frustration. The repeated traffic disruptions raise questions about how the city can better manage such events without causing widespread chaos.
However, it is important to note that these visits, while disruptive, also bring attention to key infrastructure projects and events in Lagos, which are essential for the state’s development. For instance, the launch of the Red Rail Line by President Tinubu in February 2024 was an important milestone for the city’s public transport system, with the potential to ease future traffic congestion. Additionally, his budget presentation in December 2024 highlighted the federal government’s commitment to infrastructural development in Lagos and the broader southwestern region.
Despite these benefits, the immediate impact on daily life in Lagos cannot be overlooked. The long-standing traffic issues in the city, combined with the additional disruptions caused by presidential visits, continue to test the patience of residents and commuters. For many, these events are a reminder of the need for better planning and coordination when it comes to managing large-scale visits and security measures in a city as busy as Lagos.
The repeated nature of these disruptions underscores the need for improved traffic management strategies during such visits. More efficient communication about road closures, alternate routes, and estimated delays could help reduce the chaos. Additionally, it might be beneficial for the government to explore alternatives to roadblocks that can maintain security without causing excessive inconvenience to the public.
As President Tinubu’s convoy makes its way through Lagos today, residents are urged to plan their journeys accordingly. Many areas will be affected by closures and delays, and drivers are advised to avoid the major routes that are typically used for presidential visits. Public transport users might also experience delays, as the road closures will affect both private and commercial vehicles.
For those who need to travel through the affected areas, it is advisable to allow extra time for their trips or consider using alternative routes, if available. Commuters should also keep an eye on traffic updates throughout the day to stay informed about the latest developments.
While the traffic disruptions caused by presidential visits are inevitable, the hope is that, over time, Lagos can find better ways to manage such events, minimizing the inconvenience to residents while still ensuring the necessary security protocols are in place. As the city continues to grow and develop, there will likely be more visits from top government officials, and improving traffic management during these events should be a priority for city planners and the government alike.
