Lagos Declares Holiday, Diverts Traffic As Buhari Visits 

Thursday, March 29, has been declared a work-free day in Lagos by the state government,according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the measure would enable Lagosians come out enmasse to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari who is on a two-day visit to Lagos State.

The statement urged residents to adhere to the security guidance “earlier announced to make the visit peaceful and orderly.”

State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal, also announced at a press conference traffic diversions and alternative routes for residents, ahead of the two-day visit by President Muhammadu Buhari between March 29 and 30.

He said adequate preparations have been made to mitigate the impact of the road diversions on residents, while access would be given to any emergency situation.

Edgal noted that while in Lagos, the President would commission the new Ikeja Bus Terminal, attend a colloquium in honour of national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and as well as embark on tour of the Eko Atlantic City, among others.

According to the CP, “To ensure smooth, security-free visit of the President, we would need to do some diversions. Some certain roads will be closed at certain times; some diversions will be made but I want to use this opportunity to appeal for the support and understanding of Lagosians that this temporary road closures and diversions might cause a little inconvenience.”

He listed the areas to be affected to include Bank Anthony Way in Ikeja, Agege Motor Road, a section of Eko Hotel Road in Victoria Island and Old Marina in Ikoyi axis.

On the Apapa gridlock which has spilled over to other parts of the State, Edgal said while the Joint Task Force set up by the State Government was already working to ensure free-flow of traffic, the government nonetheless has commenced the construction of a new Trailer Park in the Ijora axis that can conveniently accommodate 2,800 trucks and tanker at a time.

“The governor of Lagos state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, in collaboration with stakeholders, has identified a location known as the White Sand in Ijora axis and we have done an assessment of the place.

“Now, the state government has given out the contract to a firm and they are now smoothening up the place. It has the capacity to take well over 2,800 trucks and tankers at the same time,” Edgal said.