Lagos Takes Action: Illegal Gates Cleared from Lekki Phase 1 in Government Crackdown

The Lagos State government has initiated the dismantling of unauthorized gates permanently locked around the Lekki Phase 1 axis, aiming to address the recent surge in traffic congestion. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, revealed this development via his social media platform earlier today.

The commissioner emphasized that the persistent traffic issues in the area were largely attributed to these permanently locked illegal gates. He pointed out that not only do these gates impede access to connecting roads, but they also mar the environmental aesthetics of the region.

Elaborating on the rationale behind removing these gates, Wahab stated:

“In response to the prolonged traffic gridlock experienced by residents commuting to Lekki, caused by the obstruction of connecting roads through the indiscriminate installation and proliferation of permanently locked gates in various parts of the state, defacing the aesthetics of the environment and causing unnecessary traffic on major roads, the Lagos State Government, through the Enforcement team of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, has commenced the removal of illegal gates that are permanently closed around the Lekki 1 axis.”

The commissioner identified specific roads where the removal of gates would take place, including Sir Rufus Foluso Giwa Road, Theophilus Oji Road, Osaro Isokpan Road, Abike Sulaiman Road, Ben Okagbue MBA Road, Olubunmi Rotimi Road, Olanrewaju Ninalowo Road, Dele Adedeji Road, Abayomi Sonuga Road, Siji Soetan, and Rasheed Alaba Williams roads.

In a stern warning to residents who have haphazardly installed such gates, Wahab urged them to voluntarily dismantle them or face sanctions from the Ministry. The affected roads have witnessed a proliferation of these permanently closed gates, hindering the smooth flow of traffic and causing inconvenience to residents.

Wahab urged all resident associations across the state with similar gates in their estates or communities to proactively remove them or risk facing penalties. The objective is not only to alleviate the current traffic issues but also to restore the environmental beauty of the affected areas.

The Lekki Phase 1 axis has long been notorious for heavy traffic, and the situation has intensified with the onset of the Yuletide season as activities reach their peak. The removal of these illegal gates is expected to contribute to the easing of traffic congestion and improve the overall mobility and aesthetics of the Lekki Phase 1 area.

As the Lagos State government takes decisive steps to address the challenges posed by unauthorized gates, residents are urged to cooperate with the enforcement team and adhere to the guidelines set forth for the removal process. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by ensuring efficient urban planning and traffic management.