Does the Nigerian President Or Governor Have the Right to Block Roads During Movement?

It’s common, most of the time in Nigeria, to see a politician, especially the president and governors to temporarily close roads to facilitate their movement. This practice is aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of their security, which often leads to significant traffic disruptions, especially in densely populated cities like Lagos and Abuja.

Although the Nigerian Constitution does not explicitly grant the President or the governors the authority to block public roads. However, the President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the head of the executive branch, is entitled to security measures necessary for the protection of his person, same as a governor in his state. These measures are typically coordinated by security agencies, such as the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Police Force.

These security agencies have the mandate to ensure the safety and complete protection of the President or governors, especially the President, so the implementation of road closures during presidential movements is not detailed in any specific legislation. Therefore, such actions are often based on security protocols rather than codified laws.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The practice of closing roads for presidential convoys has drawn criticism from the public and legal experts. For instance, Reuben Abati of AriseTV, knocks the Lagos state traffic authority for blocking roads and causing traffic gridlock because the President is in town. “The President cannot come to town, and we cannot move around anymore” – Reuben Abati

Critics argue that while the President’s safety is paramount, the lack of legal backing for such road closures raises concerns about the balance between security measures and citizens’ rights to free movement.