Motorists stuck for hours on Nigeria’s busiest highway despite government claims of restored traffic flow.”
Thousands of motorists were left stranded for hours on the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest travel corridors, amid a surge in holiday traffic, despite claims by the Federal Government that normal traffic flow had been restored.
Videos circulating on social media show vehicles barely moving for long stretches, with drivers and passengers reportedly stuck overnight in the cold. The most severe congestion was reported around Koton Karfe in Kogi State, a hotspot for vehicular bottlenecks during the festive season.
Causes of the Traffic Jam
Eyewitnesses and travellers cited multiple factors for the massive gridlock:
- Fallen or broken-down trucks blocking lanes
- Ongoing roadworks without adequate traffic management
- Heavy volume of holiday traffic
The situation sparked frustration among travellers, many of whom called for improved traffic monitoring and timely interventions to prevent future disruptions.
Government Response vs. Reality
Federal authorities, including the Ministry of Works, claimed that traffic had resumed normally following intervention by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies. However, on-the-ground reports challenge these claims, highlighting that motorists continued to experience long delays hours after the government’s announcement.
The FRSC deployed additional personnel and tow trucks under its Operation Zero festive traffic management strategy, aiming to ease congestion and restore traffic flow along the highway.
The Bigger Picture
The Abuja–Lokoja Expressway has long been notorious for holiday traffic bottlenecks, with accidents, broken-down vehicles, and ongoing construction contributing to frequent gridlocks. Transport experts stress the need for real-time traffic monitoring systems, better enforcement of road discipline, and pre-holiday road maintenance to reduce travel disruptions in the future.
Conclusion
Despite official assurances, the experience of stranded motorists on the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway underscores the gap between government statements and on-the-ground realities. As Nigeria heads deeper into the festive season, the need for effective traffic management and emergency response on major highways remains urgent.
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