By Aina Shehu
The Lagos State Government has announced a comprehensive traffic diversion plan in preparation for the 2026 Lagos City Marathon scheduled for Saturday, February 14.
The government said the measure is aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual sporting event while minimising disruption to movement across major routes in the state.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed that this year’s marathon will feature two races — 42 kilometres and 10 kilometres — which will run simultaneously along designated routes.
He explained that the 42-kilometre race will begin at Ahmadu Bello Way by MRS Filling Station, moving through the entire Coastal Road, which also serves as the finishing point.
According to him, the 10-kilometre race will commence at Durosimi Etti in Lekki Phase 1, passing through Ozumba Mbadiwe, Bishop Oluwole, and Akin Adesola, before ending at Sanusi Fafunwa.
Osiyemi stated that all adjoining roads, junctions, and intersections connected to both race routes will be closed to vehicular movement from 12:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event. He added that the affected roads will be reopened intermittently as the marathon progresses.
He further revealed that officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), alongside other security agencies, will be deployed across affected areas to restrict unauthorised access and ensure safety throughout the event.
The commissioner assured residents that traffic management personnel will be strategically positioned to guide motorists and facilitate alternative movement across the city.
He urged road users to plan their journeys ahead and consider alternative routes or other means of transportation during the exercise, appealing for patience as the temporary road closures are part of arrangements for the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.