December 13, 2025

Traffic along the ever-busy Lagos–Ibadan Expressway was thrown into chaos on Saturday after a group of truck drivers blocked a major section of the highway following the alleged removal of a truck battery.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of December 13, caused hours-long gridlock, leaving thousands of commuters, motorists, and commercial transport operators stranded. Eyewitnesses said the blockade stretched several kilometres, with vehicles unable to move in either direction.

According to reports, the protest was triggered when one of the drivers discovered that the battery of his truck had been removed while parked overnight. Rather than reporting the matter to law enforcement agencies, the drivers reportedly took the law into their own hands by barricading the expressway with their trucks.

Motorists described the situation as distressing and avoidable.

“This is a federal highway, not a village road. People missed flights, medical appointments, and business engagements because of one battery,” said a commuter who was stuck in traffic for over three hours.

Illegal Action, Not Lawful Protest

Security and legal experts have described the action as unlawful, stressing that no individual or group has the right to shut down a federal highway over a private dispute.

“This was not a lawful protest. Blocking a major expressway endangers lives, disrupts economic activities, and violates the rights of other citizens,” a security analyst told Newsworld Reports.

Under Nigerian law, obstruction of public highways constitutes a criminal offence, regardless of the grievance involved. Critics argue that the ease with which major roads are sometimes blocked raises serious concerns about enforcement consistency and accountability.

Public Anger and Double Standards Debate

The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether similar actions would be tolerated in other parts of the country.

Several commentators pointed out that in some states, even peaceful gatherings are quickly dispersed, while in this case, a vital economic corridor was reportedly shut down for hours before normalcy was restored.

“This is not about ethnicity or origin; it is about equality before the law,” a civil rights advocate said. “No group should feel entitled to cripple a national asset without immediate consequences.”

Economic Impact

The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is Nigeria’s most important commercial route, linking the nation’s economic capital to the rest of the country. Any disruption, even for a short period, has ripple effects on fuel supply, food distribution, manufacturing logistics, and interstate commerce.

Transport unions and business owners have repeatedly warned that unchecked road blockages pose a threat to national productivity and investor confidence.

Call for Firm Action

Members of the public have called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, and relevant transport authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

They also urged the government to establish clearer mechanisms for resolving disputes involving truck drivers, transport unions, and park operators without resorting to self-help.

As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, analysts say respect for the rule of law and protection of shared national infrastructure must remain non-negotiable.