Lagos Traffic Paralyzed as ECOWAS 50th Anniversary Summit Triggers Citywide Gridlock

On May 28, 2025, Lagos experienced significant traffic disruptions due to the 50th anniversary summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held at Eko Hotels and Suites. The event, attended by President Bola Tinubu and other West African leaders, led to the closure of major roads including Alfred Rewane Road, Falomo Bridge, and Ahmadu Bello Way.

These closures caused widespread gridlock, leaving many commuters stranded and forcing passengers to abandon vehicles and proceed on foot. The Lagos State Government had issued prior traffic diversion alerts for similar events, but the scale of the ECOWAS summit's impact was unprecedented. The situation highlighted the city's infrastructural challenges in accommodating large-scale international events.

The summit's focus on regional integration and economic cooperation was overshadowed by the immediate logistical issues faced by Lagos residents. As the city continues to host significant events, there is a growing need for comprehensive traffic management strategies to minimize disruptions.