Roadblocks, Hold-Ups in Lagos as Tinubu Returns From Paris

Roadblocks and traffic disruptions have been reported in Lagos as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to return to the country from Paris, France, where he had spent part of his working vacation.

The development was made known by lawyer and activist Inibehe Effiong, who took to X to complain about the security arrangements ahead of the President’s arrival.

Effiong said he encountered an unusual roadblock mounted by security personnel while travelling to catch a flight in Abuja earlier on Tuesday.

“I arrived a bit late for my flight in Abuja this afternoon because of an unusual roadblock mounted by the military and the police in anticipation of Tinubu’s return,” he wrote.

After arriving in Lagos, Effiong said the situation around the airport was even more disruptive.

“I just arrived in Lagos and this is the kind of madness that is going on at the Lagos airport,” he stated.

“How can the busiest airport in the commercial capital of a country be put on lockdown for hours because an absentee President is on his way back to the country,” Effiong asked.

Effiong also criticised the administration of Tinubu.

He said, “The whole of Lagos will be on lockdown for a man whose disastrous regime has ushered in nothing but terrible policies, mass poverty and corruption.”

Effiong questioned the need for the security restrictions before Tinubu’s aircraft had even arrived.

“Why subject citizens and foreigners to this long horrendous treatment when Tinubu’s plane is not even on the ground yet?” he asked.

“Is this the best way to protect him?” Effiong asked. “Is there no better way to manage presidential movement in this country?”

“Only God knows when I’ll get to my destination today,” he wrote, adding, “I’m so disgusted.”

His comments came after the Presidency announced that Tinubu had departed Paris and was expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos later on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu ended his working vacation in Europe and began his journey back to Nigeria.

The President is expected to arrive first in Lagos, where he will attend a number of engagements before eventually returning to Abuja.

The Presidency said Tinubu chose to return through Lagos partly to honour the memory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola, whose political legacy is associated with Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Tinubu is expected to attend the premiere of a movie commemorating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu as part of activities leading to Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on October 1.

The President is also expected to meet with political leaders and associates in Lagos in the coming days as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to take shape.

Tinubu had left Abuja on August 30 for a working vacation in Europe. He initially travelled to London before proceeding to Paris, where he held a number of engagements with political and business figures.

During his stay in France, the President met French President Emmanuel Macron at a private dinner and also held discussions with Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group. The Presidency said the discussions with Bolloré focused on expanding investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy.

Tinubu also met businessman Femi Otedola, Chairman of First Holdings, during his stay in France.