On Monday, traffic along the Gwagwalada axis of the Abuja–Lokoja highway was severely disrupted as one lane of the bridge was closed for repairs. This situation resulted in significant delays for motorists, with many traveling from Abuja to Lokoja and vice versa spending hours in traffic. Reports indicate that this issue particularly affected civil servants and schoolchildren, many of whom had to resort to walking long distances to reach their destinations due to the standstill.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that the congestion was caused by the ongoing dismantling of temporary steel fortifications on the Gwagwalada Bridge. In light of the approaching Sallah celebration, the FRSC emphasized the importance of lane discipline and responsible driving for all road users. The agency's statement also included advice for travelers to be patient and to plan their journeys accordingly, given the potential for continued delays along this corridor.

This incident highlights the ongoing infrastructure challenges on critical highways in Nigeria, as road repairs often lead to significant disruptions. The situation raises questions about the maintenance prioritization and traffic management strategies in place, particularly during times of high travel demand, like holiday periods, when more people are likely to be on the move. The federal road authorities are urged to improve communication and implement better traffic management to mitigate the impact of such repairs on commuters in the future.