Citizens Plead with FG to Address Safety Concerns with Pedestrian Bridge on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Residents and commuters along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are urging the Federal Government to construct pedestrian bridges at critical points to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents. The absence of such infrastructure has led to numerous fatalities and injuries as pedestrians attempt to cross the busy highway.

In areas like the Otedola-Kara axis, the frequency of accidents has been alarming, with many locals referring to it as a “death zone.” Commuters, traders, and residents have shared harrowing experiences of vehicles losing control and causing tragic incidents. For instance, a trader at the Kara cattle market recounted a recent event where a truck with failed brakes resulted in the death of two hawkers.

The House of Representatives has also recognized the urgency of this issue. In November 2023, they passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to construct 23 pedestrian bridges along the expressway, highlighting locations such as Technical University, Toll Gate, Felele, Soka, Sanyo, Boluwaji, Academy, and Eléruku in Ibadan. The motion emphasized that the lack of pedestrian bridges has turned the expressway into a “death trap,” especially for school children and daily commuters.

While there have been efforts to improve infrastructure, such as the reopening of the reconstructed Alapere pedestrian bridge by the Lagos State Government, many areas along the expressway still lack safe crossing points. The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, mentioned that while the main carriageway has been completed, the second phase, which includes pedestrian bridges and interchanges, is yet to commence.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has acknowledged the deteriorating state of infrastructure along the expressway and has ordered urgent repairs on several bridges. During inspections, issues such as inadequate headroom and damage from heavy-duty trucks were identified, leading to immediate closures of some bridges like the one at Alapako.

Given the expressway’s significance as a major transportation corridor, the construction of pedestrian bridges is not just a matter of convenience but a critical safety measure. Residents and stakeholders continue to appeal to the Federal Government to prioritize these constructions to prevent further loss of lives.

As the nation observes the ongoing developments, the collective hope is that the authorities will act swiftly to address these safety concerns and ensure that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is safe for all users.