Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, came to a near standstill on Wednesday as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived on an official visit to commission major infrastructure projects executed by the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule.

 

The city experienced widespread closures, with both public and private schools shut down, keeping students at home despite the absence of an officially declared holiday. Many civil servants and business owners also suspended their activities, leaving the streets quiet and shops closed across the metropolis.

 

Ahead of President Tinubu’s arrival, large crowds—including schoolchildren, residents, and political supporters—lined the major roads, waving banners and chanting slogans in support of both the President and Governor Sule.

 

As of press time, the president had yet to arrive, but final preparations were underway at several key locations. The day’s unusually cool and cloudy weather offered some relief to the waiting crowds, who endured long hours under tight security.

 

Vehicular movement into and around Lafia was heavily restricted due to heightened security protocols. Several commercial motorcyclists who tried to maneuver through blocked routes were reportedly harassed or forcibly turned back by security personnel.

 

President Tinubu’s visit is seen as a politically significant event for Nasarawa State. He is expected to unveil and inaugurate a number of infrastructure projects funded by the state government, underscoring ongoing collaboration between federal and state authorities on development efforts. Notably, the planned North Central Development Commission headquarters was recently spotted in Lafia, further highlighting federal interest in the region.

 

Prominent figures expected to join the president on the visit include the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, former governors Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura and Adamu Abdullahi, along with other top dignitaries and state officials.