Security has been beefed up and more operatives deployed in Lagos State as President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to arrive in the state on Thursday.
It was learnt that Buhari is expected to inaugurate some projects in the state.
Top security sources say barring any last-minute change, President Buhari will fly into Nigeria’s commercial capital from Abuja on Thursday.
It was further learnt that Buhari’s advance team has already arrived in Lagos in expectation of the President on Thursday “if the weather is ok for the flight.”
It was further learnt that the presence of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, in Lagos, is not unconnected with the preparations for receiving the President and beefing up security before his arrival. The IGP arrived in Lagos on Wednesday to commence a three-day work visit.
Further confirmation of Buhari’s planned visit to Lagos came from presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, who in a Facebook post on Wednesday, wrote, “President Muhammadu Buhari will tomorrow (Thursday), commission the 156km Lagos—Ibadan standard gauge railway line in Lagos, the first double-track standard gauge rail in West Africa, and the first Nigerian railway line to be started and completed by the same administration, since 1960.
“Construction started in March 2017, and test-running commenced in December 2020.
“The Ebute Metta Station, known as the Mobolaji Johnson Station, is the largest railway station in West Africa with a holding capacity of 6000 passengers.
“President Buhari is committed to developing a modern national railway network that will connect every part of Nigeria, and promote trade, travel, tourism, commerce and national integration. — Presidency.”
Lagos motorists and commuters are expected to undergo some inconveniences as the President’s visit is likely to affect traffic situation due to the closure of some roads.
President Buhari’s last visit to Lagos was on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, during the tenure of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
During the visit, Buhari inaugurated some projects, including the Institute of Maternal and Child Health at Ayinke House; an ultra-modern 170-bed Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist hospital located within the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and Lagos Theatre at Oregun, Lagos.
Buhari also inaugurated the Oshodi Interchange terminal for modern transportation hub; 822 high capacity mass transit buses; and a 10-lane world standard international airport road.