Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have expressed concern over the increasing number of abandoned road projects across the state, calling on the government to urgently address the challenges faced by residents due to these uncompleted infrastructures.
Following extensive deliberations, the lawmakers unanimously resolved to summon the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, along with the contractors handling the projects, to present a comprehensive report on the status of abandoned roads in Lagos State.
The legislators urged relevant agencies to develop a clear strategy for completing the projects while ensuring adequate security measures for affected residents.
As part of its resolution, the House recommended that contractors receive an upfront payment of 60 to 70 per cent to facilitate the timely completion of road projects.
During the plenary session on Thursday, Speaker Mojisola Meranda called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to resume construction on the abandoned Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA.
She further directed all lawmakers to compile lists of abandoned roads in their constituencies for submission to the appropriate ministry to ensure prompt intervention.
The resolution followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by Aro Moshood, who decried the hardship faced by Ikorodu residents due to the road’s deplorable condition.
“This road has been abandoned since 2017. What was meant to ease the people’s burden has become a source of distress, creating serious security and socio-economic challenges,” Moshood stated.
He raised concerns over rising criminal activities—including kidnappings, accidents, and sexual assaults—directly linked to the road’s poor state.
Supporting the motion, Abiodun Ogunleye emphasised the strategic importance of the road, stating that its completion would significantly boost economic activities in the area.
Similarly, Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh criticised the prolonged delay, noting that funds had been approved for the project in the previous year.
“It is unacceptable that a road project has been abandoned for over seven years. Last year, as part of a committee inspecting road projects, we were informed by contractors that fluctuating exchange rates posed a major challenge. This House must invite the contractor to clarify whether the approved funds were disbursed,” Olumoh said.
Deputy Chief Whip Sanni Ganiyu Okanlawon insisted on decisive government action and called for the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the contractors to explain the delay.
“This issue of abandoned roads should not be taken lightly. The commissioner and the contractors must be summoned to account for the stalled projects,” he asserted.
In his contribution, Tobun Abiodun proposed enacting a law to ensure the continuity of projects across successive administrations, preventing future cases of abandonment.
Deputy Majority Leader, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, noted that the problem extended beyond Ikorodu, affecting several parts of the state.
“This is a statewide issue. We need to summon all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, to provide answers on these abandoned roads,” he said.
