Special report: Deplorable state of Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway

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By Abiola Ayankunbi

It is an understatement to say that this road is not motorable; the truth of the matter is that the road has gone terribly bad from its previous state.

The raining season that is just setting in has further compounded the situation because driving through (to and fro) is practically impossible.

 

Fallen truck
Picture by
Yinka Oyegbile,

Any consolation word like it has been awarded and work will soon commence after the wet season will not be acceptable because something ought to have been done during the dry season cum lock down occasioned by COVID-19.

Regrettably, the perennial problems like accidents, falling trucks, loss of man hours, robbery, etc on the road are becoming worrisome.

Equally, the cost of transportation has skyrocketed; the vehicle owners visit mechanic workshops on a daily basis.

A drive through any area shortly before Ahmadiyya Bus Stop to Abeokuta is an open eyesore with an indication as if nobody is in charge.

Fortunately enough, Lagos, Ogun states and Federal government belong to the same party and still unable to draw strength from this. This is besides the fact that the minister in charge is from Lagos State.

A trip from Abule-Egba to Sango Otta Toll Gate that shouldn’t taken more than few minutes now takes hours due to the bad condition of the road.

It is a known fact that thousands of commuters, especially those who are residents in Ogun State but work in Lagos State, pass through this road on a daily basis. It is more than hellish for them, plying the road. It is an avoidable nightmare.

To a reasonable extent, the inner roads constructed by the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State have assisted but the heavy duty trucks plying those roads will soon damage them.

What is on ground is beyond palliative measures, it has to be a complete rehabilitation that will devoid contours surfaces. The road must have guard railings, pavement signs, good drainage system and illumination light.

As a matter of urgency, the federal government needs to partner with Lagos and Ogun States governments to deliver this road.

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