President Tinubu’s return to Lagos caused hours-long traffic jams — Premium Times Nigeria

In Lagos, Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu’s return from Paris on the evening of September 29 caused major traffic congestion near Murtala Muhammed International Airport and on adjacent roads. Security personnel restricted traffic along the presidential motorcade’s route, leaving drivers and passengers stuck in traffic for several hours, Premium Times Nigeria reports.

Restrictions near the airport

Traffic restrictions began before 5:00 p.m. Congestion formed near the airport as well as on routes connecting it with Lagos Island, Ikoyi and the Third Mainland Bridge. Tinubu arrived in Lagos from France after about four weeks in Europe, which the presidential administration described as a working vacation.

The president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu decided to return via Lagos to honor the memory of the late M.K.O. Abiola. The Nigerian government recognizes Abiola as the winner of the annulled presidential election of June 12, 1993. According to Onanuga, on Independence Day the president will attend the premiere of a film dedicated to Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu. Tinubu also plans to hold meetings in Lagos with political leaders and associates as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.

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Drivers’ complaints

Lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who arrived in Lagos that day, criticized the restrictions in posts on X. He questioned the need to block access for hours to the busiest airport in the country’s commercial center and asked whether the president’s security could have been ensured without lengthy delays for other passengers.

Other social media users also warned about road closures in the airport area. At the same time, some commentators noted that temporary traffic restrictions during the movements of heads of state are also used in other countries.

Former president’s experience

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan previously said that during visits to Lagos he tried to avoid traveling around the city by car because of potential traffic problems. According to him, after arriving at the airport, he used a helicopter to reach the presidential residence or the venue of events.