By Fawaz Adebisi
In a firm stance against unauthorized commerce and squatter settlements, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is gearing up to take decisive action along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
His plan includes the closure of illegal shops and the arrest of squatters who have encroached on this vital corridor.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s resolve comes in the wake of an extensive clean-up operation orchestrated by the Special Intervention Team, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bayo Suleiman, the Area Commander of Ikeja Police Division.
This ongoing operation, which commenced last month, has already succeeded in evicting illegal occupants and traders from the Doyin section of the highway towards Mile 2.
This move is a crucial step towards facilitating road reconstruction and the rejuvenation of this significant thoroughfare.
Assuring residents and traders along the route, Governor Sanwo-Olu has pledged that the Doyin section of the highway will undergo thorough reconstruction after the rainy season subsides.
Additionally, he has instructed the Lagos State Public Works to maintain the failed section until proper reconstruction can commence.
In his call for public cooperation, Governor Sanwo-Olu urges residents to report any illegal activities to the authorities.
“We are here to ensure that the space under the bridge is strictly used for commercial parking and petty trade. Anything that has to do with mechanical work, welding or electrical work must not be seen under any of our bridges. We are hoping that those using the allocated space will keep to the guidelines and maintain sanity,” the Governor said.
“We are here to ensure that the space under the bridge is strictly used for commercial parking and petty trade. Anything that has to do with mechanical work, welding or electrical work must not be seen under any of our bridges. We are hoping that those using the allocated space will keep to the guidelines and maintain sanity,” the Governor said.
The Special Intervention Team has now been directed to initiate an extensive clean-up on the other side of the expressway, following eviction notices served to all illegal traders and squatters. Those affected have limited time to relocate their belongings, with the Governor warning that any resistance will be met with stringent measures.
Governor Sanwo-Olu extended his oversight to Oke Arin Market at Apogbon axis of Eko Bridge, ensuring compliance with government regulations regarding the use of space under the bridge.
The Governor emphasized that the goal is to maintain public safety and safeguard public facilities for long-term durability. Furthermore, he revealed plans to extend similar cleanup efforts to other parts of the State where illegal traders have encroached on public transport right-of-ways, including Agege, Lagos Island, Ikeja, and more.
During this inspection, Alhaji Kabiru Abubakare, the Babaloja of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area, pledged his cooperation with the State Government to ensure adherence to these directives, signifying unity in the endeavor to restore order along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
