Ten months following a report by The Guardian on the deteriorating condition of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, the situation has escalated from bad to dire. Despite previous appeals for intervention by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the road remains neglected, exacerbating the plight of motorists, pedestrians, and traders who frequent this essential artery.
The expressway stretches from the U-turn bus stop to the Old tollgate, marking the boundary between Lagos and Ogun states. This section witnesses daily silent cries for help from road users trapped in a cycle of endless accidents and mishaps due to the road’s appalling state. The neglect has transformed this vital route into a perilous zone, where reckless driving and poorly maintained road sections frequently result in tragic accidents.
One such incident occurred on December 2, 2023, when a fuel tanker lost control and crushed two commercial buses at Kola Bus Stop, leading to fatalities and numerous injuries. This event is not isolated; the expressway has a history of accidents, including a heartbreaking episode on March 6, 2022, where a motorist driving against traffic at Amje Bus Stop claimed the lives of four siblings.
The state government’s inaction towards rehabilitating this Federal Government road has drawn sharp criticism, especially as the Ogun State section of the expressway received attention, albeit now showing signs of wear. The deteriorating Lagos section starkly contrasts the rehabilitated stretches, underscoring a neglect that has significant economic and human costs. Commutes that previously took minutes now extend over two hours, turning daily journeys into exhaustive endeavors.
During a recent inspection, it was evident that while some parts of the expressway towards Lagos have seen improvements, the segment leading to Sango remains in a deplorable state. Potholes, craters, and ditches plague this section, forcing many to abandon the route and seek alternatives, despite the longer distances and higher costs involved.
The dire state of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway has forced commuters to find alternative routes, with some motorists opting for the Captain/Osi Ota road and commuters preferring the Oju-Ore route through Abule-Egba. The expressway’s condition has not only increased transport fares but also inflicted financial burdens on vehicle owners like Mr. Olusegun Ajasa, who lamented the frequent repairs his car requires due to the road’s poor state.
Students like Olamide Martins, who travel to Abeokuta for education, have also abandoned this perilous route, choosing longer and more expensive alternatives for safety. The collective frustration is palpable among those who rely on this expressway, underscoring a desperate need for action.
Despite the road’s federal ownership, stakeholders argue that the Lagos State Government should not remain passive. Historical efforts, mentioned by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, including plans discussed by former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, to utilize Sukuk funds for repairs, have yet to materialize. The promise of intervention by the Ogun State Government, with Federal Government approval, offers a glimmer of hope, yet immediate and tangible action remains elusive.
The continued degradation of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway stands as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s infrastructure management. It calls for a collaborative approach between federal and state governments to prioritize the safety and well-being of their citizens. As the expressway deteriorates, so does the quality of life for thousands of Nigerians who depend on this crucial link. The call for urgent intervention remains, echoing through the silent cries of daily commuters and the stark reality of a road that has become synonymous with peril and neglect.
