President Bola Tinubu's return to Lagos on Tuesday evening resulted in heavy traffic around the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and adjoining parts of the city. Security operatives restricted movement on roads along his route, causing motorists and commuters to be stranded for hours. The restrictions began before 5 p.m. and traffic built up around the airport and routes linking the airport to Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and the Third Mainland Bridge.
Mr. Tinubu arrived in Lagos from Paris, France, after spending about four weeks in Europe on a working vacation. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced his return earlier on Tuesday. According to Mr. Onanuga, the president chose to return through Lagos to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, whom the government recognises as the winner of the annulled 12 June 1993 presidential election.
The president's return to Lagos was not just a private visit, as he is scheduled to attend the premiere of a movie honouring Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, on Independence Day. While in Lagos, President Tinubu will also hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days in preparation for the 2027 elections. These events likely contributed to the need for his return to Lagos.
The traffic restrictions drew complaints from motorists and residents who were caught in the gridlock. A Lagos-based lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who arrived in Lagos on Tuesday, criticised the restrictions in posts on his X handle. He questioned whether the president's security could be managed without subjecting other travellers to prolonged delays.
Other motorists also took to social media to warn people travelling towards the airport. They shared their experiences of being stuck in traffic due to the president's arrival. Some users, however, noted that traffic restrictions during presidential movements were not unusual and that similar measures were used in other countries during the movements of their leaders.
The disruption caused by President Tinubu's return to Lagos has brought back memories of recent comments by former President Goodluck Jonathan about handling movement around Lagos while he was president. He recalled that controlling traffic for a presidential convoy could cause significant disruption to other road users, which was why he often used a helicopter after arriving at the Lagos airport.
The incident highlights the challenges of managing presidential movements in a busy city like Lagos. While security arrangements are necessary, they can cause significant disruptions to the public. As the country prepares for future elections, balancing the need for presidential security with the need to minimise disruptions to the public will be an important consideration.
Key points
- President Tinubu's return to Lagos caused heavy traffic and stranded motorists and commuters.
- The president's return was to honour the memory of Chief MKO Abiola and attend strategic meetings.
- The incident highlights the challenges of managing presidential movements in a busy city like Lagos.
