By Erewunmi Peace

Traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway was brought to a standstill on Wednesday as truck drivers blocked the highway in protest over alleged extortion by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The protest reportedly began when a truck driver claimed that FRSC personnel seized his truck battery. In solidarity, other drivers joined the demonstration, blocking both Ibadan-bound and Lagos-bound lanes at the Ogere section, causing severe gridlock and stranding commuters for several hours.

Authorities, including police and army personnel, attempted to intervene and reopen the road, but were initially unable to clear the crowd of protesting drivers. The situation created significant disruptions for motorists and commercial transport along one of Nigeria’s busiest expressways.

While the drivers allege extortion by FRSC officials, the claim is yet to be independently verified. No official statement has been released by the FRSC regarding the incident at the time of reporting.

This is the latest in a series of protests by commercial drivers over alleged harassment, extortion, and operational challenges along Nigeria’s major highways. Commuters are urged to seek alternative routes and expect delays as authorities work to resolve the standoff.