A major traffic standstill on the crucial Abuja-Lokoja expressway over the weekend forced thousands of Nigerians travelling for the Christmas holidays to spend a harrowing night in their vehicles. This occurred despite repeated assurances from the Federal Ministry of Works that the road was clear and traffic flow had been restored.
Ministry's Claim Versus Harsh Reality on Ground
The gridlock, which began over the weekend, was triggered by a standoff between truck drivers and military personnel. The incident reportedly involved the smashing of a truck's windscreen, leading drivers to block a portion of the road.
In a press release dated Sunday, 21st December, 2025, the Ministry of Works, through its Director of Press, Mohammed A. Ahmed, claimed that the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, had directed the immediate opening of completed road sections. The ministry asserted that the directive, implemented in collaboration with the FRSC and security agencies, had restored free traffic flow by 2:00 a.m. on Monday.
However, this official narrative was starkly contradicted by eyewitness accounts from stranded travellers and journalists on the road. A journalist covering the ministry, who was himself trapped, debunked the claim in the ministry's official WhatsApp group, stating they had been stuck on the long bridge since 2:15 p.m. on Sunday.
Stranded Travellers Lament Dehumanising Conditions
The gridlock created a humanitarian crisis, affecting the most vulnerable travellers. Usman Abdullahi, a stranded commuter, described the situation as particularly dire for babies, nursing mothers, the sick, and children who were stuck for hours without relief.
Another traveller, James Koffi, expressed frustration at what he termed government propaganda. He criticised media outlets for parroting the ministry's false claims without independent verification, especially on a road notorious for security challenges like kidnapping. "I just wept for this profession and for Nigeria," Koffi stated, urging the media to act as a proper watchdog.
Checks confirmed that many travellers spent the entire night of Sunday, 21st December, on the highway. A journalist covering the Works Ministry summarised the ordeal with a poignant warning: "May you not experience what we experienced on that road till this morning."
Emergency Meeting Called as Fallout Continues
In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Works has summoned an emergency meeting. The Permanent Secretary, Mr. R. O. Adeladan, has called all Directors, Zonal Directors, Controllers of Works, and contractors to Abuja on Tuesday to strategise on ensuring free movement during the festive period.
A directive has been issued for all federal roads under construction or completed to be opened to commuters immediately. This incident has cast a shadow on the Minister's promise, made just three days prior, of a hitch-free journey on all major roads during the yuletide.
