Lagos Announces 35-Day Traffic Diversion for Ozumba Mbadiwe Road Rehabilitation

The Lagos State Government has announced a 35-day rehabilitation of Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, with work scheduled to begin on Monday, October 19, 2026, as authorities prepare traffic diversion measures to reduce disruption along the busy Victoria Island corridor. The project will cover the stretch between Adetokunbo Ademola Street and Civic Centre, extending to Samuel Manuwa Street and the BJ area. Motorists using the route have been advised to plan their journeys ahead and follow the designated alternative routes during the rehabilitation. The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed the arrangements in a traffic advisory issued on Thursday, October 15.

Lagos introduces contraflow arrangement

According to the advisory, traffic management officials will introduce a contraflow arrangement on the Lagos-bound side of Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, covering the stretch from Samuel Manuwa Street towards Adetokunbo Ademola Street and Civic Centre. The arrangement will allow vehicles to use the available lane while rehabilitation work is carried out on the other side of the road. The measure is intended to maintain movement along the corridor while construction activities are ongoing. However, motorists may experience delays as traffic is channelled through the available sections. Ozumba Mbadiwe Road is an important route for commuters travelling through Victoria Island and connecting areas around Lekki and Ikoyi. The rehabilitation is therefore expected to affect motorists who regularly use the corridor for work, business and other daily activities.

Alternative routes for motorists

The state government has outlined alternative routes for drivers travelling from Bonny Camp, Falomo, Eko Hotel and adjoining areas. Motorists travelling from Bonny Camp or Falomo towards Civic Centre and Lekki have been advised to use Adeyemo Alakija Street, near Muri Okunola Park. From there, drivers should connect to Adeola Hopewell Street, continue through Akinbo Savage Street and link Bishop Aboyade Cole Street. They can then access the expressway through School Corner, near Black Diamond, towards Sandfield. The route is intended to provide an alternative for motorists heading towards Civic Centre and the Lekki axis while the affected section of Ozumba Mbadiwe Road is being rehabilitated. Meanwhile, motorists travelling from Eko Hotel towards Falomo and Ikoyi have been advised to use Sanusi Fafunwa Street, connect to Akin Adesola Street and continue towards the ramp bridge. Drivers have been urged to pay attention to traffic signs and directions from officials to avoid unnecessary congestion around the affected junctions.

LASTMA officials to manage traffic

Osiyemi said the government would deploy officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to coordinate vehicle movement during the rehabilitation. The officers are expected to help manage traffic flow, reduce congestion and minimise inconvenience to road users while construction work continues. The commissioner urged motorists to plan their trips before setting out and cooperate with the traffic management arrangements. The government’s advisory comes as Lagos continues to undertake road maintenance and rehabilitation projects on major transport corridors. Such works require temporary traffic adjustments to provide access for construction activities while maintaining movement for commuters.

Motorists urged to plan ahead

With the rehabilitation scheduled to last 35 days, commuters who regularly travel through Victoria Island, Falomo, Civic Centre and the Lekki corridor may need to allow additional time for their journeys. Motorists are advised to familiarise themselves with the designated alternative routes before the work begins, particularly if they have time-sensitive appointments or daily commuting commitments. Drivers should also follow instructions from LASTMA officials and avoid unauthorised manoeuvres that could obstruct traffic or create safety risks around work zones. The Lagos State Government has urged road users to cooperate with the traffic management measures as rehabilitation progresses. The effectiveness of the diversion will depend in part on motorists following the designated routes and complying with instructions from traffic officials. The project is scheduled to commence on October 19 and run for 35 days, with the state government deploying traffic management personnel to help limit disruption along the affected corridor.