Extreme Hardship Endured by Lagosians Due to Poor and Insensitive Planning of Road Construction Works

Dear Mr. Governor,

Many of us witnessed the severe hardship experienced by Lagos residents following the closure of the Independence Bridge and the commencement of road works. As you may be aware, countless Lagosians who left work at the close of business yesterday only arrived home in the early hours of this morning, having endured excruciating hours in gridlock.

This incident is yet another reflection of the inadequate consideration given to commuter welfare when planning and executing road construction projects. For too long, Lagosians have suffered in silence, bearing the brunt of poorly coordinated infrastructure works that disrupt daily life, hurt productivity, and diminish overall well-being. While such inconveniences are often overlooked or underreported, yesterday’s events were so severe, widespread, and disruptive that they could not be ignored.

Beyond the immediate suffering, the broader implications of such occurrences are significant; ranging from economic and productivity losses to heightened security risks, environmental concerns, and serious health consequences.

Recent experiences, including the implementation of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, suggest a worrying pattern in which the Lagos State Government appears either unable or unwilling to proactively assert its authority in safeguarding the interests of its residents when Federal Government initiatives are undertaken in the state. Even when projects may offer long-term benefits, their execution must be carefully planned to prevent avoidable suffering.

This situation is compounded by the ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, which has rendered the Assembly inactive for weeks. The absence of legislative oversight and representation deprives Lagosians of a critical channel through which their concerns should be addressed.

I urge your administration to:

1. Conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the causes of yesterday’s debacle to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences. If negligence or incompetence is found, those responsible must face appropriate consequences.
2. Ensure that robust impact assessments are mandatory for road construction projects, ensuring that alternative routes, adequate public communication, and effective mitigation plans are in place before any major road closures.
3. Always ensure the Lagos State Government exercises its authority and fulfills its obligation to expressly consider and protect the interests of Lagosians when collaborating with Federal agencies on projects within the State.

Lagosians deserve better. Governance must prioritize the welfare of the people, and it is imperative that lessons are learned from yesterday’s ordeal.

Thank you for your attention.

Funso Doherty

Cc:

• Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly