Abandoned Roads: Lagos Assembly Demands Action from Government

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the state government to urgently address the plight of residents affected by abandoned road projects.

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, lawmakers specifically highlighted the stalled Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The Assembly urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure that HITECH Construction Company resumes work on the project.

Lawmakers also called for the development of a concrete plan to complete the project while implementing adequate security measures for residents in the affected community.

As part of the House resolution, it was recommended that contractors receive an upfront payment of 60% to 70% to facilitate the timely completion of road projects.

Legislative Action on Abandoned Roads

Speaker Meranda directed all lawmakers to compile lists of abandoned roads in their constituencies and submit them to the appropriate ministry for urgent intervention.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Aro Moshood, who lamented the hardship faced by Ikorodu residents due to the road’s deplorable condition.

“This road has been in a terrible state since 2017. What was meant to bring relief has become a source of distress, insecurity, and economic decline,” Moshood stated.

He further highlighted rising criminal activities, including kidnappings, accidents, and sexual assaults, directly linked to the road’s poor condition.

Lawmakers Demand Accountability

Hon. Abiodun Ogunleye emphasized the road’s strategic importance to the state, stressing that its completion would significantly boost economic activities in the area.

Hon. Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh criticized the prolonged delay, revealing that the House had previously approved funds for the project.

“It is disappointing that this road has remained abandoned for over seven years. During our project inspection last year, contractors cited the fluctuating exchange rate as a major challenge,” Olumoh noted, urging the Assembly to summon the contractor to clarify whether funds were received.

Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon also demanded decisive action, calling on the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to explain why the project remains uncompleted.

“This issue of abandoned road projects should not be taken lightly. The Commissioner and contractors must provide answers,” Okanlawon insisted.

Call for Legislative Reforms

Hon. Tobun Abiodun proposed enacting a law that would mandate all administrations to complete projects initiated by their predecessors, preventing recurring cases of abandoned infrastructure.

Echoing similar concerns, Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Richard Kasunmu stressed that the problem extends beyond Ikorodu, affecting multiple communities across Lagos State.

“This is not just an Ikorodu problem; it is happening statewide. We must summon all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, for explanations,” Kasunmu stated.

Following extensive deliberations, the Lagos Assembly unanimously resolved to summon the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the contractors involved, demanding a detailed report on the status of all abandoned road projects in the state.