Workers across parts of Abuja on Friday endured hours of trekking through bush paths and makeshift routes as road closures and security checks disrupted movement in the nation’s capital ahead of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress.

The situation followed a directive issued yesterday by the Federal Government ordering the closure of access roads around the Federal Secretariat Complex and Eagle Square for the duration of the convention, while instructing workers within the affected axis to work from home.

However, checks by The Guardian revealed that the measure failed to accommodate a wider category of workers whose offices are located outside the Federal Secretariat but depend on the same restricted routes to access their workplaces.

By early hours of Friday, security operatives had mounted checkpoints and barricades across major roads leading to key districts, including Maitama and the Three Arms Zone.

The restrictions left many commuters stranded, forcing several to abandon vehicles and continue their journeys on foot through narrow bush paths and informal walkways.

The development triggered frustration among workers and residents, many of whom described the experience as avoidable and called for broader consideration in future arrangements.

A private sector employee, Bright Obasi, said he was turned back by security personnel despite setting out early for work, leaving him with no option but to trek.

“This is unfair, I left home early to resume work, only to be stopped by these people. I’m already late for work and I can only hope my oga will understand,” he said.

Similarly, a civil servant, who identified herself simply as Toyin, expressed displeasure after trekking for over 30 minutes to reach her office.

“You can see the way I’m sweating. I’ve been trekking for over 30 minutes to access my office. It’s really frustrating,” she said.

She added that although she was aware of the government circular, it did not address the realities faced by many workers outside the Federal Secretariat corridor.

“They should know that not every civil servant works at the Federal Secretariat and some of us need to pass those blocked roads to link with our offices. They need to do better next time. Maybe declaring a public holiday for everybody,” she added.

A businessman, Vincent Okoli, also recounted his ordeal, noting that multiple roadblocks forced him to abandon his initial travel plans and resort to trekking through bush paths to keep an appointment.

“The only option I’m left with is this footpath inside this bush. It’s not funny at all. I parked my car at home and joined a commercial vehicle thinking that would be better, but the security guys are not making things easy at all. They just don’t want to listen. Must the masses be subjected to this kind of harsh treatment all the time?” he lamented.

Efforts to get comments from security personnel stationed at various checkpoints proved unsuccessful, as officers declined to speak on the restrictions.

Meanwhile, a member of the APC, who spoke on condition of anonymity while heading to the convention venue, defended the arrangement, arguing that declaring a public holiday across the Federal Capital Territory was not feasible for a party event.

“It’s just a day event. It’s not possible for our party to block roads again on Monday. It’s one in a blue moon experience, kindly bear with us,” he said.

The Federal Government had, in a circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, announced the closure of roads around the Federal Secretariat Complex from March 27 to March 28, 2026, citing security and logistical needs for the convention.

Although the measure was intended to ensure order and safety during the high-profile gathering, the impact extended beyond the designated areas, disrupting economic and official activities across parts of the city. (The Guardian)

•Abuja workers walking through bush parts and makeshift routes as road closures and security checks disrupted movement in the nation’s capital ahead of the national convention of the All Progressives Congress.