By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, have called on the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to complete all abandoned roads in the state, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo Bayeku, Ikorodu, which has been abandoned since 2017.

Raising the motion during plenary, a member Aro Moshood representing Ikorodu 2, highlighted the dangers posed by the neglected road.

He recalled that during the last rainy season, a viral video showed a student being swept away by floodwaters while trying to board a truck to cross the road. He also noted that the area has become a hotspot for robberies, making residents feel unsafe.

In his prayers, Aro called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the contractors to resume work immediately.

He also said that the Governor should mandate relevant agencies to provide 60 percent of the required funds to the contractors.
Adding that, there is need to ensure the security of contractors to facilitate prompt project completion. Assign the Acting Committee on works to investigate and report back to the House within two weeks.

Supporting the motion, his counterpart, Sa’ad Olumo representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1, revealed that the Lagos State government had allocated sufficient budgetary provisions for road projects.

He noted that while contractors cited rising material costs, budget adjustments had been made to accommodate them. He urged the House to summon the contractors to explain the project delay.

Also, Ganiyu Okanlawon representing Kosofe I, emphasized that abandoned roads had been discussed repeatedly in the House, stressing that it was time to enforce strict measures against contractors who fail to deliver. He called on the Commissioner for Works to provide a briefing on the state of roads across Lagos.

Similarly, Richard Kasumu, representing Ikeja 2, decried the neglect of Ikorodu road lamenting that the area had suffered both erratic electricity and bad roads for seven years. He demanded that all contractors handling abandoned projects across Lagos be summoned to account for their failures.

Also, Bonu Solomon representing Badagry 1 highlighted that Ikorodu played a crucial role in the last election through its voter support and deserved better infrastructure. He also pointed out that some roads in Badagry had been abandoned for over 15 years.

Another lawmaker, Abiodun Tobun representing Epe 1, criticized the government’s handling of compensation for residents affected by road construction.
He stressed that many grassroots roads in Ikorodu, Epe, and Badagry remained untouched. He also proposed legislation to prevent successive administrations from abandoning ongoing projects.

Other lawmakers also raised concern over the fact that constituents are losing faith in the government due to unfulfilled infrastructure promises.

Mr.Gbolahan Yishawu representing Eti-Osa 2, attributed project delays to funding variations, urging the House to conduct oversight on all state government road projects over the past three years.

In his submission, the Majority Leader, Temitope Adewale, representing Ifako/Ijaiye 1, condemned the poor execution of many road projects, arguing that any contractor who fails to complete a project after receiving funds should face imprisonment.

The House resolved to take immediate action, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to ensure the swift completion of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road and other abandoned road projects across Lagos.