Centenary Celebrations Disrupt Traffic in Abuja

Traffic in some central parts of Abuja were at a standstill for hours on Thursday evening as many roads were blocked because of celebrations marking Nigeria’s centenary taking place at the Abuja National Stadium.

A dense build up of traffic was visible around Garki, Jabi and Airport Road with many residents and motorists complaining of being stuck in their cars and not being able to get home for three hours, until around 9pm when traffic eased.

Some civil servants and other workers with offices located on Herbert Macaulay Way in the Central Business District, which is close to the stadium were unable to get to their offices because of the tight security and road blocks in place.

Many were forced to park some distance away and walk to work as traffic had been diverted and armed security operatives deployed at strategic points in the area.

The Centenary Celebrations began at 6pm, but President Goodluck Jonathan arrived at the venue around 8pm with the first lady and other officials. The event was also attended by several visiting heads of states, government officials, and members of the public and ended at about 9pm with a fireworks display.

   An international conference held as part of activities marking the centenary earlier in the day was attended by about 30 heads of governments and international organisations.