Gridlock Traps Many on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway at Soka Toll Gate!

Gridlock Traps Many on Lagos–Ibadan Expressway at Soka Toll Gate!

Reported By Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Commuters and motorists were trapped for several hours on Wednesday in a severe traffic gridlock at the Ibadan end of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, stretching from the Soka area to beyond the Toll Gate. Eyewitnesses say vehicles crawled and many were forced to abandon their cars and walk. [1]

Details of the Stand‑Still

• The congestion reportedly began in the early morning hours, causing major delays for traveling professionals and commercial drivers alike. [2]
• At the height of the gridlock, some motorists resorted to hiring commercial motorcycles to escape the jam, while others abandoned their vehicles altogether. [1]
• Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other traffic agencies confirmed on‑site presence but said resolution efforts were hampered by the volume of vehicles and narrow diversions. [3]

Why It Matters

• The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is a major inter‑state artery connecting Lagos with the southwestern region—delays on this route ripple into commerce, commuting, and logistics. [4]
• Prolonged gridlock poses increased risks for emergency vehicles, goods delivery, and general road safety.
• The incident intensifies public outcry over infrastructure bottlenecks and demands for more proactive traffic management.

What to Watch

• Whether the Federal Ministry of Works will expedite lane‑clearance and alternative route strategies on this corridor.
• If construction/freight policies will be revised to reduce peak‑period disruption on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.
• Monitoring of how traffic agencies coordinate in real time to prevent similar stand‑stills in the near future. Citations:

1. Tribune Online: tribuneonlineng.com/traffic-jam-lamentation-as-motorists-commuters-trapped-on-lagos-ibadan-expressway/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Punch Nigeria: punchng.com/sallah-lagos-ibadan-expressway-gridlock-traps-thousands/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Governor: thegovernor.ng/lagos-ibadan-expressway-traffic-leaves-commuters-stranded-for-hours/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagos%E2%80%93Ibadan_Expressway?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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