Parts of Lagos Island experienced a lockdown on Wednesday due to President Bola Tinubu’s visit for the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.
Heavy security arrangements and blocked roads caused traffic congestion in areas like Ikoyi, Falomo, and Victoria Island.
Many commuters were stranded for hours. Several Lagosians expressed frustration over what they called poor planning by the government.
President Tinubu arrived in Lagos from Abuja on Tuesday evening. He was welcomed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other top officials.
The Lagos State Government had warned of traffic diversions and advised people to use alternative routes. But these measures did not ease the gridlock.
Frustrated Commuters Say Lagos Should Not Host Presidential Events
Angry commuters and motorists complained about being trapped for hours due to roadblocks.
One commuter, Olawale, said, “This is frustrating. We are stuck for hours just because of an event. It shows a lack of regard for ordinary Nigerians. This could have been held in Abuja.”
Many residents said hosting such events in Lagos disrupts daily life and work routines.
Businesses were affected as workers arrived late or couldn’t reach their offices at all. Ride-hailing drivers also reported huge losses due to the congestion.
Despite the government’s earlier announcements, there was no clear coordination of the alternative traffic plans on the ground.
The lockdown took place mainly around high-security zones where President Tinubu attended events related to ECOWAS.
Tinubu Joins Gowon, Others, at ECOWAS Jubilee Celebration
President Tinubu and former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon attended the ECOWAS golden jubilee at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).
The conference held at the same chamber where the ECOWAS treaty was signed in 1975.
While at the NIIA, Tinubu signed the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Card.

A significant moment reflecting on the past and reaffirming our commitment to regional unity and cooperation, said a presidential aide.
Tinubu, as current ECOWAS chairman, played a central role at the anniversary event. He pledged Nigeria’s support for deeper cooperation among West African countries.
President Tinubu to Commission Major Road Projects While in Lagos
President Tinubu will stay in Lagos until after the Eid el Kabir festival on June 6. He plans to commission and flag off major national infrastructure projects.
He will commission physically:
- Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
- Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road
He will flag off physically:
- Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
- The 7th Axial Road
He will commission virtually:
- Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road
- Yakasai-Zalli Road
He will flag off virtually:
- Kano Northern By-pass
- Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I
- Dabai-Kafur–Malumfashi
- Malumfashi-Dayi-Yashe-Gidan Mutum Daya Section III
These projects are part of the president’s efforts to improve road infrastructure and promote economic growth across Nigeria.
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