Thousands of holiday travellers were left stranded this weekend as severe gridlock crippled traffic on the Lokoja–Abuja–Kaduna highway, just days before Christmas.
The traffic snarl, which has stretched into its third day, left motorists stuck for hours – some for an entire day – on one of Nigeria’s most vital routes linking the North and South.
Drivers told LibertyTVR that the congestion began early Saturday, and showed little sign of easing. Families travelling for the festive season were particularly affected, with many spending the day and night in their vehicles. “It is already 8 p.m., and I have been here since 7 a.m. with my family, heading to Enugu”, one frustrated motorist said.
Investigations by LibertyTVR indicate that the gridlock was triggered by two fallen trucks that blocked sections of the road, compounding delays already worsened by ongoing construction work.
The Lokoja–Abuja–Kaduna corridor is widely regarded as one of the country’s most dangerous and strategic highways. Despite its importance, the road has become a major source of anguish for commuters, especially during peak travel periods such as the Christmas season.
Critics have also raised concerns about the pace and cost of the project. The highway is reportedly among the most expensive on the continent, estimated at about ₦4 billion per kilometre – well above international benchmarks.
Road users lament that construction progress has been painfully slow, moving “in centimetres rather than kilometres”, while motorists are left to endure long delays, safety risks and mounting travel costs.
As of yesterday evening, many travellers remained trapped, hoping for swift intervention to clear the obstruction and restore movement on the critical route.
