The Federal Government has stated that students protesting on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway are breaking the law. The group, which includes members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), created a traffic jam on the road to demonstrate against the ongoing ASUU strike.
After the Federal Executive Council meeting on September 14, Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Works and Housing, addressed the issue with statehouse correspondents. He emphasized that while the Nigerian Constitution acknowledges and safeguards the right to public protests, it does not authorize anyone to cause inconvenience or harm to others. Fashola also expressed empathy for commuters affected by the situation and noted the lack of alternative routes in the densely populated area, apologizing for the inconvenience caused.
Fashola further commented on the NANS protests, stating that although the right to protest is protected by the Constitution, blocking the road during demonstrations constitutes a violation of the law and is detrimental to the citizens. He urged the students to conduct their protests without obstructing traffic.