Local News
Lagos Moves to Ease Traffic During Lekki–Epe Expressway Upgrade
Hon. Comm. for transportation – Oluwaseun Osiyemi
The Lagos State Government has moved to ease concerns of residents and motorists along the Lekki–Epe axis, assuring that the ongoing 20-kilometre rehabilitation of the Lekki–Epe Expressway will be completed on schedule, with extensive measures in place to manage traffic and minimise disruptions.
Top government officials gave the assurance during an inspection of the project corridor on Tuesday, covering the stretch from Admiralty Way to Eleko Junction.
The inspection was led by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, and the Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa.
Engr. Daramola explained that the rehabilitation, approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will see both carriageways of the expressway upgraded using asphaltic pavement to improve road durability and driving comfort.
He noted that although construction was earlier paused during the festive season, full work will now resume after a fresh assessment confirmed the contractor’s readiness.
To reduce traffic disruptions, the project has been divided into eight sections, with construction carried out on one carriageway at a time. Each direction is expected to take about two months, while critical sections will witness round-the-clock work to fast-track delivery.
Speaking on traffic control, Mr. Osiyemi said the state had developed a detailed traffic management plan informed by past construction experiences on the corridor.
He said motorists should expect sectional road closures, contraflow operations, and flexible lane sharing, with traffic flow adjusted to favour peak directions during morning and evening rush hours.
According to him, a heavy presence of traffic officers, supported by road signage, lighting, and real-time monitoring, will be maintained to ensure safety and reduce congestion.
He urged motorists to remain patient and comply with traffic instructions to ensure smooth movement throughout the rehabilitation period.
Mr. Osiyemi also revealed that alternative routes, including the Coastal Road, have been carefully assessed. Additional traffic officials and security operatives will be stationed along these routes to maintain order and protect commuters.
He assured that the government has taken steps to curb extortion and other illegal activities along diversion routes, while security agencies will provide protection for both road users and construction workers.
Hon. Sola Giwa emphasised that the safety of commuters remains a top priority, adding that emergency response vehicles, security personnel, and traffic management teams will be strategically positioned to promptly handle breakdowns, accidents, or other incidents.
In a related advisory, the state government announced that rehabilitation works on Sections 2 and 3 of the expressway will begin on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and are expected to last for about 64 days.
The construction will proceed intersection by intersection, starting from the Chevron–Igbo Efon axis, under an eight-phase schedule projected to run until early April 2026.
Motorists heading towards Lagos have been advised to use alternative routes, including connections to the Coastal Road through Ogombo–Abraham Adesanya and Eleganza–Orchid–Lafiaji corridors, to avoid delays.
Reaffirming its commitment to long-term infrastructure development, the Lagos State Government said the phased rehabilitation is aimed at delivering a safer, stronger, and more reliable expressway for millions of commuters who rely on the Lekki–Epe corridor daily.
Residents and motorists were called upon to cooperate with authorities, as the government promised to provide regular updates as construction progresses.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely completion of the ongoing 20-kilometre rehabilitation of the Lekki–Epe Expressway, assuring residents and motorists of a comprehensive traffic management strategy to reduce inconvenience during the construction period.
The assurance was given on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the project corridor, spanning from Admiralty Way to Eleko Junction.
The tour was led by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, alongside members of the media.
Engr. Daramola disclosed that the rehabilitation project, awarded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, involves the upgrade of both carriageways of the expressway using flexible asphaltic pavement designed to enhance durability and safety.
He explained that full-scale construction, which had been delayed due to the Yuletide festivities, will now commence following a reassessment of contractors’ readiness on site.
According to him, the rehabilitation will be executed in eight phases, with work carried out on one carriageway at a time to ensure continued traffic flow. Each direction is expected to take about two months, with construction activities running day and night, particularly at critical points, to meet the project timeline.
On traffic management, Mr. Osiyemi stated that the state had drawn from previous experience on the Lekki–Epe corridor to design a robust and responsive traffic control plan.
He said traffic will be managed through sectional closures, contraflow operations, and dynamic lane sharing, with peak traffic directions prioritised during morning and evening rush hours.
The commissioner added that a large deployment of traffic officers, supported by clear directional signage, proper illumination, and continuous monitoring, would be in place to prevent congestion and unsafe driving.
Motorists were urged to obey traffic instructions and cooperate with traffic officials throughout the construction period.
Mr. Osiyemi further disclosed that alternative routes, particularly the Coastal Road, have been identified and assessed. Additional traffic and security personnel will be deployed along diversion routes to ensure smooth movement and safety.
He stressed that measures have been put in place to prevent illegal activities and extortion along these corridors, while security agencies will safeguard motorists and construction workers.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to road user safety, Hon. Sola Giwa assured that adequate security operatives, traffic management personnel, and emergency response vehicles would be strategically stationed along the corridor to swiftly respond to incidents or vehicle breakdowns.
Meanwhile, the state government announced that rehabilitation works on Sections 2 and 3 of the expressway will commence on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and are expected to last approximately 64 days.
The works will be carried out on an intersection-by-intersection basis, starting with the Chevron–Igbo Efon axis, under an eight-phase schedule projected to run until early April 2026.
Motorists travelling towards Lagos were advised to utilise alternative routes, including access to the Coastal Road via Ogombo–Abraham Adesanya and Eleganza–Orchid–Lafiaji corridors, to avoid construction zones.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed that the phased rehabilitation is a critical infrastructure investment aimed at improving road quality, enhancing safety, and delivering a better commuting experience along one of the state’s busiest transport corridors.

Residents and motorists were appealed to for patience and cooperation, with assurances that regular updates will be provided as work progresses.
Airlines
Bayelsa’s Pioneer Airlines Cleared for Takeoff After AOC Approval
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, and Pioneer Airlines Group Managing Director, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, during the presentation of the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed support for indigenous airlines as Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airlines officially moves closer to commencing operations after securing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, received the airline’s management team in Abuja on Wednesday following the successful certification of the carrier.
The delegation was led by Pioneer Airlines Group Managing Director, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, who formally presented the airline’s AOC certificate to the Minister and thanked the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies for supporting the certification process.
Capt. Ungbuku described the approval as a significant achievement for Bayelsa State and said the development demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous airlines.
He praised the Ministry for encouraging private and state-backed investment in the aviation sector and creating policies that support local operators.
During the meeting, the Pioneer Airlines boss also introduced members of the airline’s management team responsible for operations, commercial services, safety, engineering, business development, and human resources.
Speaking during the visit, Keyamo welcomed the airline’s entry into the market and said the growing involvement of state governments in aviation would help expand Nigeria’s domestic and regional air transport network.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government was developing a Nigerian Leasing Company to support local airlines with aircraft acquisition and reduce operational difficulties faced by indigenous carriers.
He explained that Pioneer Airlines could become one of the beneficiaries of the initiative when fully operational.
Keyamo further stressed that Nigeria has a large aviation market capable of supporting more local carriers, especially on regional routes currently dominated by foreign airlines.
According to him, stronger indigenous participation in the sector would improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The visit concluded with renewed commitments between the Ministry and Pioneer Airlines to work together towards expanding air transport opportunities and improving regional connectivity across the country.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified efforts to reposition the country’s air cargo sector with a strategic engagement involving cargo agents and freight forwarders at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The meeting, organised by FAAN’s Directorate of Cargo Development and Services (DCDS), focused on plans for the proposed Cargo Village and the operational framework expected to drive a more efficient and globally competitive cargo system in Nigeria.
Held on May 12, 2026, the session brought together recognised agents’ associations operating across the cargo value chain under the theme: “Strategic Engagement Session on Cargo Village Development and Operational Framework.”
Representing the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas, the General Manager, Cargo, Mrs. Alao Mamman, said stronger collaboration among stakeholders remained critical to the successful delivery of the Cargo Village project.
According to her, the initiative is designed to improve operational efficiency, simplify cargo handling procedures, and align airport cargo operations with international best practices and global standards.
Also speaking during the engagement, the General Manager, Cargo Partnerships and Registration, Engr. Jay Etim, outlined major components of the project, including the development of the Aviacargo Village, creation of an integrated cargo logistics hub, and co-location of cargo stakeholders within a coordinated operational environment.
He added that the framework would also strengthen operational standards, improve access control systems, and ensure strict compliance with regulatory requirements while reinforcing the role of licensed cargo agents in the evolving aviation logistics ecosystem.
Stakeholders at the meeting were given the opportunity to contribute recommendations and operational insights aimed at ensuring the project reflects industry realities and promotes inclusiveness across the cargo sector.

FAAN said the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to create a more structured, secure, and efficient cargo environment capable of supporting trade growth and boosting Nigeria’s aviation logistics capacity.
The Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) has raised alarm over the alleged assault of a senior airport official by a Nigerian Air Force personnel at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, the union accused some armed personnel operating within Nigerian airports of repeated acts of violence against civilian workers, describing the latest incident as disturbing and unacceptable.
ANAP identified the victim as Mr. Ekene Enechukwu, Head of Operations at the airport and a Deputy General Manager with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The association said the incident happened on May 11 while the FAAN official was responding to an emergency call linked to a fire outbreak at the airport.
According to the union, the official’s hurried movement toward the emergency scene was allegedly misunderstood by an Air Force personnel stationed at the military checkpoint near the airport toll gate, leading to a physical confrontation during which the FAAN manager was reportedly assaulted and bloodied.
ANAP said the incident reflects a growing pattern of hostility toward civilian aviation workers, despite repeated calls for restraint and professionalism within airport environments.
The union stated that it would begin consultations on additional steps aimed at preventing future occurrences, stressing that attacks on airport workers must not be allowed to continue unchecked.
It also called on the Nigerian Air Force to issue an apology to the affected FAAN official and the airport authority, while demanding strict disciplinary action against the officer allegedly involved in the incident.

The association maintained that maintaining safety, mutual respect, and cooperation among all agencies operating at airports remains essential to efficient aviation operations in the country.
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