The Lagos State Government on Sunday released a comprehensive traffic advisory ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s project-related engagements scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, warning motorists to expect temporary road closures and diversions across Ikeja, Victoria Island, and Lekki corridors.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the state said the advisory was necessary to “ensure smooth movement for the presidential convoy, safety of road users, and minimal disruption to business activities” during the President’s one-day working visit to Lagos.
Why the Visit Matters
President Tinubu is expected to commission three major projects on Thursday: the completed Phase 1 of the Lagos Blue Line Rail extension to Okokomaiko, the newly built Massey Children’s Hospital in Lagos Island, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road in Ibeju-Lekki. He will also tour the Dangote Refinery complex and hold a closed-door session with private sector leaders at Eko Atlantic City.
“Mr President’s itinerary covers key economic and social infrastructure,” Osiyemi said. “We are balancing security protocols with the need to keep Lagos moving. The diversions are temporary and will be lifted immediately after each engagement.”
Key Routes Affected and Diversions
The advisory lists rolling closures from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, with the heaviest impact expected between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
1. Ikeja/Murtala Muhammed Airport Axis: 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
– Closed: Airport Road from Ikeja Underbridge to MMIA Toll Gate.
– Diversion: Motorists from Oshodi should use Agege Motor Road to link Ikeja GRA. International passengers are advised to arrive 3 hours early. LASTMA and FAAN will run shuttle buses from Ithe keja Underbridge.
2. Lagos Island/CMS/Marina: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
– Closed: Outer Marina from Leventis to State House Marina; sections of Broad Street.
– Diversion: Vehicles from Victoria Island to Ebute Ero should use the 3rd Mainland Bridge or Carter Bridge via Iddo. The CMS ferry terminal will remain open.
3. Eko Atlantic/Victoria Island: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
– Closed: Ahmadu Bello Way from Adetokunbo Ademola to Eko Atlantic Gate.
– Diversion: Use Kofo Abayomi, Ozumba Mbadiwe, and Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge. Access to Eko Hotel will be restricted to accredited vehicles.
4. Lekki-Epe Expressway/Ibeju-Lekki: 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
– Closed: Lekki-Epe Expressway from Eleganza to Dangote Refinery Gate.
– Diversion: Light vehicles should use Freedom Way, Abraham Adesanya, and Ogombo Road. Heavy trucks barred from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Alternative: Epe-Ijebu Ode Road.
Public Transport and Emergency Services
The advisory confirms that BRT services on the Ikorodu-TBS and Oshodi-Abule Egba routes will run, but with delays at Marina and Ikeja terminals. LAMATA’s Blue Line will suspend passenger service from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for the commissioning ceremony but resume immediately after.
Ambulances, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles will have dedicated lanes and will not be stopped. LASTMA, TRACE, and Police will deploy 1,200 officers across affected corridors. Tow trucks and medical teams will be stationed at choke points.
Public Guidance
Osiyemi urged residents to “plad, work remotely if possible, or use waterways.” The Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) will double trips on Ikorodu-Falomo, Badore-Falomo, and Mile 2-Marina routes from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Fares remain subsidised.
“We understand the inconvenience, but this is for a few hours on one day to showcase Lagos’ progress,” he said. “Real-time updates will be on @Lagostraffic, @LAMATAonline, and the radio from 5:00 a.m. Thursday.”
Context
The advisory lands on a packed Sunday news. Earlier today, GRV declared for 2027 Lagos governor, Wema Bank posted ₦221.85bn profit, Dangote cut petrol to ₦1,200/litre, and APC factions clashed in Abuja. For Tinubu, Thursday’s Lagos trip is a chance to spotlight infrastructure wins amid economic pressure and early 2027 politicking.
What Next
The Ministry of Transportation said a post-event review will be held on Friday to assess the impact and improve future advisories. Violators of the truck restriction will be impounded and fined ₦100,000, the statement warned.
For Lagosians, the message is simple: Thursday will be slow by road. Boats and remote work will be faster
