Lagos State announces J Randle Road closure for nine days for the Afropolis Dance Event, with alternative routes in place to ease traffic flow.

The Lagos State Government has announced the temporary closure of J Randle Road, Onikan, to facilitate the Afropolis Dance Event, a nine-day cultural festival that celebrates the city’s rich artistic heritage.

The closure, set to last from Saturday, 26th October to Sunday, 3rd November 2024, will impact the stretch between Lagos City Mall and the National Museum, just before Onikan Roundabout. The road will be fully closed 24 hours daily throughout the event.

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Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, shared details on the planned diversion, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to manage traffic during this large-scale event. Osiyemi encouraged motorists to follow the designated routes to minimise disruptions.

For drivers coming from Awolowo Road toward Tafawa Balewa Square, traffic will divert left at Onikan Roundabout, connecting to King George V Road and continuing toward Marina Exit, then onto Force Road to access Tafawa Balewa Road. This route is designed to maintain smooth traffic flow around the event site.

Traffic moving from Outer Marina toward Awolowo Road will turn left onto Force Road, connecting with Tafawa Balewa Road, then continue through Old Defence Road to Tafawa Balewa Square, following Macarthy Street to reconnect with Onikan Road.

For motorists coming from the Third Mainland Bridge or Ring Road, directions will also funnel through Force Road to Tafawa Balewa Road, joining Old Defence Road, and continuing toward Onikan Road to reach Awolowo Road.

Osiyemi appealed to drivers for patience and cooperation, noting, “This traffic diversion plan is a crucial part of event management for AFROPOLIS Lagos 2024.”

The Afropolis Dance Event is expected to bring significant traffic to the Onikan area, but organisers are confident the detour routes will help ease congestion.