Commercial drivers, commuters, and traders at Mile 12 market actively went about their businesses on Saturday, ignoring the 6:00 a.m. movement restrictions set by the police for the Lagos local government elections.
Commercial and human activities were noticeable in different parts of the state, as many residents chose to focus on their businesses rather than comply with the lockdown.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported heavy movement on Lagos roads even before the official 8:00 a.m. start of voting.
By 6:48 a.m., commercial buses — including a BRT — were already on the roads, picking up passengers, while commuters moved about freely, eager to begin their day’s work or run errands early.
Several filling stations had also opened for business, dispensing fuel to both commercial and private vehicles amid the early morning rush.
At the bustling Mile 12 market, activities were already in full swing by 7:15 a.m., with buyers and sellers actively engaging in trade.
Traders were determined to maximise sales, making the most of the early hours before any possible tightening of restrictions.
Commercial drivers and ‘okada’ riders were visibly active on the roads, picking up passengers and taking advantage of the loosely enforced restrictions in the early hours.
Mrs. Nimota Ajayi, a pepper seller at Mile 12, highlighted her entrepreneurial spirit as the reason for starting business early.
She stated, “I have to come so early because tomorrow is Sunday and if I did not come now, traffic will disturb me after the restrictions are lifted.”
Her comment highlighted a strategic approach to business, aiming to capitalise on the open roads before peak congestion.
The intense economic pressures on residents were clearly evident in their reasons for defying the order.
A commercial driver, who preferred anonymity, explicitly emphasised his need to “make brisk business before the 8:00 a.m. election exercise.”
He added, “I had no business with the election; I had a family of four to feed,” underscoring the necessity of his early commercial endeavours.
Another commuter driver, identified only as Segun, while intending to vote in Somolu, said he ad to quickly prioritised his commercial activities.
He said, “I want to vote but this area is not my registered area, I am to vote in Somolu so I have to rush down and also help some passengers along the road.”
At the Iyana-Ipaja bus stop, “motor boys” were seen openly soliciting passengers for inter-state journeys, specifically from Lagos to Ibadan, demonstrating a continuous commercial operation.
However, Police began enforcing the movement restrictions at about 6:30 a.m., setting up roadblocks on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to stop vehicles entering or leaving the state.
Yet, inside the city, many residents stayed focused on making quick sales.
