The Lagos State House of Assembly has expressed displeasure over the increasing number of abandoned roads across the state and has called on the state government to urgently address the plight of residents affected by these uncompleted projects.
Following extensive deliberations, the Assembly unanimously resolved to summon the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure and the contractors to present a comprehensive report on abandoned road projects in Lagos State.
They urged relevant agencies to develop a clear strategy for completing the project while prioritizing security measures for residents.
As part of its resolution, the House recommended that contractors receive an upfront payment of 60 to 70 percent to facilitate timely project completion.
Speaking during Thursday, 13 February, 2025, plenary session, Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure that work resumes on the abandoned Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA.
Speaking further, Meranda directed all lawmakers to compile lists of abandoned roads in their constituencies for submission to the appropriate ministry for immediate action.
The resolution followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised by Hon. 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,” Hon. 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, Hon. Abiodun Ogunleye emphasized the strategic importance of the road, stating that its completion would significantly boost economic activities in the area.
Similarly, Hon. Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh criticized 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,” Hon. Olumoh said.
Deputy Chief Whip Hon. 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, Hon. Tobun Abiodun proposed enacting a law to ensure continuity of projects across successive administrations, preventing future cases of abandonment.
Deputy Majority Leader Hon. 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.
