Multiple road crashes along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have triggered severe gridlock, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded for hours and disrupting the movement of goods and passengers on one of Nigeria’s most important transport corridors.
The incidents, which reportedly occurred at different points along the expressway during peak travel hours, involved several vehicles, including commercial buses, private cars, and heavy-duty trucks. Eyewitnesses said the crashes were exacerbated by poor visibility in some sections, reckless driving, and congestion caused by ongoing road works.
Commuters described the situation as chaotic, with traffic stretching for several kilometres in both directions. Many passengers were forced to abandon their vehicles and trek long distances in search of alternative transport, while others remained stuck in their cars under the scorching sun.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were deployed to the affected areas to manage traffic flow and clear the wreckage. The agency confirmed that emergency response teams worked to rescue injured victims and restore normalcy on the highway.
An FRSC spokesperson attributed the crashes to a combination of speeding, driver fatigue, and failure to adhere to traffic regulations. Motorists were urged to exercise caution, maintain safe distances, and avoid dangerous overtaking, especially on congested sections of the road.
The gridlock also had economic implications, as trucks conveying perishable goods were delayed, raising concerns about potential losses for businesses. Transport operators lamented the recurring traffic bottlenecks on the expressway, calling for more effective traffic management and timely completion of ongoing construction projects.
Residents and regular users of the highway have repeatedly appealed to authorities to implement long-term solutions, including improved road maintenance, better signage, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar incidents.
As traffic gradually eased following the intervention of emergency responders, commuters expressed frustration over the persistent challenges on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable measures to ensure safer and smoother travel on the critical route.