ECOWAS summit causes traffic chaos in Lagos, passengers stranded

 Commuters and motorists in Lagos on Wednesday recounted severe disruptions as multiple roads were shut down 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, resulted in gridlock across key areas of the city. Many commercial drivers were stranded, while passengers abandoned vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.

Key access routes, including Alfred Rewane Road and Falomo Bridge in Ikoyi, as well as Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island, were completely closed to regular traffic.

Despite travel advisories issued by the Lagos State Government earlier in the week, frustration among commuters was palpable. Many reported being caught off guard by the scale of the lockdown.

The government had announced alternative routes via Adetokunbo Ademola Road, Ozumba Mbadiwe, and Akin Adesola, but the diversions did little to ease the persistent congestion throughout the morning.

“I’ve lost millions of naira today because I missed an important business meeting,” lamented Lagos resident Dr Adeola Akin. “I’ve made several appeals online and to the authorities asking for better traffic management during such visits. Must the entire city shut down because the president is in town?”

Commercial drivers expressed similar frustrations. Raheem Adeola, a bus driver, said the delays cost him his entire day’s earnings. “My boss won’t accept excuses. I must deliver the full amount, even though I’ve been stuck in traffic for hours. Should we be afraid of the president’s visit? Or should we vacate the state whenever he comes?” he asked.

In Oshodi, a passenger shared how her husband advised her to spend the night at her sister’s house in Surulere, as roads leading to their Lekki home were inaccessible. “Blocking roads like this is unfair. We’re citizens too. Shutting us out of our neighborhoods because of an event sends the wrong message,” she said.

At the time of this report, major routes into Victoria Island remained closed, with security personnel maintaining strict control over the affected areas.