Truck drivers’ protest cripples traffic on Abuja–Lokoja Expressway [Video]

Vehicular movement along the busy Abuja–Lokoja Expressway was brought to a standstill on Tuesday after truck drivers staged a protest in the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.

The protesting drivers reportedly blocked sections of the highway to express their dissatisfaction with what they described as persistent harassment and unfair treatment by security operatives operating along the route.

Eyewitnesses said the protest caused a massive traffic gridlock, with long queues of vehicles stretching several kilometres as motorists, commercial transport operators and passengers were forced to wait for hours.

Commuters travelling to and from Abuja, Lokoja and other parts of the country were among those affected, with many expressing frustration over the disruption to their journeys.

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According to motorists at the scene, the truck drivers insisted they would not vacate the road until their grievances were addressed by the relevant authorities.

The Abuja–Lokoja Expressway is one of Nigeria’s major transport corridors, serving as a key link between the Federal Capital Territory and several states in the North Central and southern parts of the country. Any disruption along the route often results in widespread traffic congestion and delays in the movement of goods and passengers.

As of the time of filing this report, security personnel were monitoring the situation, while efforts were expected to be made by government officials and relevant agencies to engage the protesters and restore the free flow of traffic.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the protest or disclose measures being taken to resolve the impasse. Motorists have been advised to exercise patience and, where possible, consider alternative routes until normal traffic is restored.