Residents and road users in Mushin have voiced their frustration over the worsening condition of the Idi-Oro section of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, popularly known as Agege Road.
The road, which has been in poor condition for years, deteriorated further on Saturday after a truck fell into a deep pothole, causing severe traffic congestion. Residents noted that the rains have exacerbated the situation, making the already challenging road a nightmare for motorists.
Tomiwa Segun, a minibus driver, expressed his anger and disappointment while speaking to The Guardian. He accused task force officials of exploiting drivers who were forced to use alternative routes due to the poor state of the road. “If today is a working day, and you pass one-way because the road is not good, task force will catch you. They will collect N200 or even N500,” he said.
Commercial tricyclist Sunday Ibrahim criticised the government’s earlier intervention, which involved pouring stones on failed portions of the road. He said this measure worsened the situation, damaging tyres and causing more traffic. “We are begging the government. This road is what we depend on. Pouring stones will not solve it. They need to fix it properly,” he appealed.
Another minibus driver, Kazeem Adeyemi, lamented the recurring deterioration of the road despite repeated repairs. “The government has repaired this road many times, but it still deteriorates. We need a real solution,” he said.
A tricycle rider, Abubakar Mohammed, described the road as hazardous for new drivers unfamiliar with the area. “If you know the road, you go pass. But strangers will fall in. That is why many resort to passing one-way,” he explained.
Lateef Yusuf, a commercial motorist, blamed the poor state of the road for increasing extortion by task force officials, making life more difficult for road users. “If task force catches you passing one-way, they will seize your vehicle. Come early tomorrow morning to see for yourself,” he said.
Residents are now pleading with the government for urgent intervention to repair the road and alleviate their daily struggles.
Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) was contacted regarding plans to fix the road, officials redirected inquiries to the Federal Ministry of Works, stating that the road is a federal responsibility.
The Federal Controller of Works, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, acknowledged the road’s deplorable condition and said it was being assessed for the award of repair contracts.
Source. The Guardian
