By Ayo Kehinde
The Lagos State Government has announced traffic diversion plan ahead of the 2026 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, February 14.
A statement signed on Thursday by Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the measure is aimed at preventing traffic congestion and ensuring minimal disruption to motorists during the city’s annual sporting spectacle.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon features two simultaneous races: a 42-kilometre and a 10-kilometre race.
The 42-kilometre race will begin at Ahmadu Bello (by MRS Gas Station) and proceed along the Coastal Road, which serves as the finishing point. The 10-kilometre race will start at Durosimi Etti, Lekki Phase 1, and pass through Ozumba Mbadiwe, Bishop Oluwole, Akin Adesola, and Sanusi Fafunwa roads, ending at Sanusi Fafunwa.
As part of the traffic management plan, all adjoining roads, junctions, and intersections along both race routes will be closed from 12:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with intermittent openings as the races progress. The affected areas will be manned by LASTMA officers and other security personnel to prevent unauthorised access and ensure the safety of participants and motorists.
Commissioner Osiyemi assured Lagosians that traffic management officials will be strategically positioned to guide motorists. He urged residents to plan their journeys in advance, make use of alternative routes, and consider other modes of transportation.
He appealed for patience, noting that the partial road closures are essential for a smooth and successful marathon, one of Lagos’ most anticipated annual events.
