Commuters Stranded As Flooding Triggers Traffic Gridlock On Major Lagos Roads

Commuters and motorists were left stranded for hours on Friday after flooding disrupted traffic on the Odo Iyaloro Bridge near Maryland in Lagos.

Several road users linked the incident to blocked drainage channels, saying the obstruction caused water to gather on the bridge and triggered severe congestion.

Despite the light rainfall, water pooled on the roadway when the drainage system failed to channel it away, resulting in slow movement of vehicles and long queues.

The gridlock subsequently spread beyond the bridge, with traffic extending onto the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and along Ikorodu Road, worsening delays for those heading toward Maryland and adjoining areas.

Frustrated drivers blamed poor drainage maintenance and called on the appropriate authorities to clear the channels and carry out routine upkeep to prevent a recurrence.