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The Federal Government’s decision to shut down major access roads around the Federal Secretariat Complex and Eagle Square for the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has triggered widespread disruption across Nigeria’s capital, leaving thousands of workers stranded and public service office activities severely affected.
The closure, announced in a March 26, 2026 circular, takes effect from Friday, March 27 to Saturday, March 28, cutting off access to one of the busiest administrative hubs in the country. Civil servants across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) located within Phases I, II, and III of the Secretariat have been directed to work from home, a move that has further disrupted public service office activities and slowed critical government operations.
However, the abrupt directive has thrown official schedules into disarray, delaying key assignments, stalling documentation processes, and weakening inter-agency coordination. Many workers stranded by the road closures say they are unable to access offices or deliver on time-sensitive responsibilities tied to public service office activities.
Across the city, residents and commuters are grappling with the fallout. Key routes into the Three Arms Zone have been sealed off, forcing long detours, worsening gridlock, and inflating transport costs. Informal workers, vendors, and small businesses that rely on daily activity around the Secretariat are counting losses, as foot traffic drops sharply and workers stranded away from offices are unable to sustain normal economic activity.
The ripple effects are being felt within public institutions, where several offices providing essential services are operating below capacity. Reduced staff presence and restricted public access have compounded delays, further disrupting public service office activities and raising concerns about efficiency and service delivery.
Notably, the silence of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has drawn criticism. Observers point out that similar requests by other associations or political groups would typically face strict limitations or outright denial. His perceived acquiescence has fueled accusations of double standards and quiet endorsement of an action many residents say has left workers stranded and public service office activities in disarray.
