Motorists and commuters were left stranded for hours on Wednesday after protesting truck and trailer drivers blocked the Abuja–Lokoja highway, grounding traffic on one of Nigeria’s most critical transit corridors.
The blockade, which occurred around the Abaji axis, was reportedly triggered by a violent altercation between a Dangote truck driver and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). According to eyewitnesses, the dispute escalated when the NSCDC operatives allegedly deflated or damaged the tires of the Dangote trailer.
In a show of solidarity, other heavy-duty truck drivers used their vehicles to block both sides of the dual carriageway, cutting off transit between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the southern parts of the country.
The protest left hundreds of vehicles—including commercial buses, private cars, and trucks carrying perishable goods—trapped in a gridlock that stretched for several kilometers.
“We have been at a standstill for hours,” said a frustrated motorist trapped in the queue. “Vehicles coming from Lokoja cannot enter Abuja, and those leaving Abuja are stuck here in Abaji. The heat is intense, and passengers, including children, are suffering.”
The Abuja–Lokoja highway is a vital economic artery linking northern Nigeria to the south, and prolonged blockades on the route often result in significant supply chain disruptions and economic losses.
As of the time of filing this report, official statements from the NSCDC command or the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) regarding the incident were still awaited.
However, security agencies and local authorities were reportedly on the scene, negotiating with the union representatives of the truck drivers to clear the road and restore the flow of traffic.
