Movement Restriction in Lagos Now 6am–3pm for July 12 Elections

Residents of Lagos State heading to the polls this Saturday, July 12, will now have a slightly wider window of movement before voting begins, following a fresh directive from the state’s police authorities.

The Lagos State Police Command has revised its earlier decision on movement restriction for the upcoming local government elections. Initially, the restriction was to run from 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., but in a new update released on Thursday, that timing has now been adjusted to 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who issued the update on behalf of Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh, said the adjustment was made to ease the burden on residents dealing with unavoidable early morning commitments such as medical emergencies, scheduled travel, and other critical engagements.

According to the statement, this change affects both road and waterways movement across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the state.

“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an adjustment to the previously announced restriction of vehicular and waterways movement,” the statement read. “This decision was taken in view of easing movement for persons with essential needs during the early hours of the day.”

Despite the revised schedule, the police emphasized that other election-day rules remain unchanged. Only essential workers including health responders, emergency personnel, accredited electoral officers, and journalists with valid tags will be exempt from the restriction. Individuals moving about without clearance may be stopped by officers enforcing the restriction.

The police also reiterated that armed escorts, vehicles with covered number plates, and siren-blaring convoys will not be tolerated. Likewise, any quasi-security agencies or state security vehicles not officially cleared by the electoral commission (LASIEC) will not be allowed on the roads.

Commissioner Jimoh urged residents to remain peaceful, cooperate with security personnel, and report any suspicious activities promptly. 

The Command’s emergency lines, 08063299264 and 08065154338 will remain open throughout the election period.

This update comes as part of efforts to strike a balance between enforcing election-day security and accommodating the realities of a bustling city like Lagos. 

With the elections set to shape leadership at the grassroots level, authorities say maintaining peace is non-negotiable.

Residents are encouraged to plan their day around the 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. restriction and head to the polls early, as police presence is expected to be heavy across all polling units and collation centres.