Lagos Assembly Moves to Address Abandoned Roads, Seeks Urgent Government Action 

The Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a firm stance against abandoned road projects across the state, highlighting the distress faced by residents due to uncompleted infrastructure. In a resolution passed at a plenary session presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, the lawmakers called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to mandate the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure that construction companies resume work on neglected road projects.  

Particularly singled out was the abandoned *Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), where work has been stalled since 2017, causing untold hardship for residents. The House urged the government to provide contractors with an upfront payment of 60 to 70 percent to facilitate the timely completion of projects and mitigate further delays.  

Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda

Hon. Aro Moshood, who raised the matter as a case of urgent public importance, described the deplorable condition of the road as a threat to human lives and security, linking it to rising incidents of kidnappings, accidents, and sexual assaults.  

“What was meant to bring relief to the people has now become a source of distress, posing serious security and socio-economic challenges,” Moshood stated.  

Other lawmakers supported the motion, stressing the economic importance of road networks and the need for urgent intervention. Hon. Abiodun Ogunleye noted that the completion of the project would significantly boost commercial activities, while Hon. Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh criticized the prolonged delays, questioning whether funds allocated for these projects had been disbursed.  

“It is disappointing that a road construction project has been abandoned for over seven years. The House had approved funds for this, yet there is no visible progress. Contractors have cited the fluctuating exchange rate as a challenge, but that should not excuse the continued suffering of Lagosians,” Olumoh lamented.  

Echoing similar sentiments, Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon insisted that the Assembly summon the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the contractors to explain the reasons behind the project delays. Hon. Tobun Abiodun further proposed enacting a law that would mandate every administration to complete projects started by their predecessors, to prevent recurring cases of abandoned projects.  

Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu emphasized that the problem extended beyond Ikorodu, affecting multiple communities across the state. He called for a coordinated response from all relevant agencies to address the issue comprehensively.  

Following deliberations, the House of Assembly resolved to invite the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the contractors handling road projects across Lagos to provide a detailed report on the status of all abandoned roads. Additionally, lawmakers were directed to compile and submit lists of abandoned roads in their respective constituencies* for immediate government intervention.  

A Societal Concern: When Abandoned Roads Become Death Traps

The issue of abandoned roads goes beyond infrastructure failure—it is a direct assault on the safety, economy, and well-being of Lagosians. Communities such as Ikorodu, Igbogbo-Baiyeku, and other affected areas have become hotspots for insecurity due to the negligence of ongoing projects.  

For many, these uncompleted roads represent more than just inconvenience—they have become death traps, endangering lives and hindering economic activities. Cases of armed robbery, kidnappings, and road accidents* have surged in these areas, disproportionately affecting low-income earners, traders, and daily commuters who have no alternative routes.  

The Lagos Assembly’s decision to summon key stakeholders is a crucial step toward accountability. However, the real test lies in the government’s response. Will the Sanwo-Olu administration ensure the prompt completion of these roads, or will Lagosians continue to suffer in silence?  

For communities waiting for long-overdue relief, the time for action is now. The government must move beyond deliberations and deliver tangible solutions—because every day that these roads remain abandoned, more lives are put at risk.  

Societal Concerns Media Network will continue to track and report on the progress of these road projects, ensuring that the voices of affected residents are heard and that the government remains accountable to its promises.