The Lagos State Government has raised concerns over the theft of road signs along the Lekki-Epe corridor, warning that the practice could undermine traffic management and road safety as rehabilitation begins on damaged sections of the major highway.
The state said it would deploy traffic management and security personnel around the clock during the rehabilitation of the remaining damaged sections from Bonny Camp to Admiralty Way Junction and the VGC axis in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, lamented that the government faced a recurring problem of road signs being removed shortly after installation, urging residents to help identify those responsible.
“On the issue of road signs, we have a challenge with people stealing the road signs,” Musa said.
“We have put up many road signs around the state, but the most strange thing here is that in a matter of days, these signs are gone.”
Musa said the loss of the signs was particularly problematic as the government prepared to undertake rehabilitation works on the Lekki-Epe corridor, during which motorists would need clear traffic instructions.
“We need your cooperation to apprehend those perpetrating these nefarious acts. They are stopping us from providing the same in other parts of the state,” he said.
He added that the government would work with residents to identify those responsible.
“When we make scapegoats of those arrested, this will stop,” he said.
The warning came as the state announced the commencement of rehabilitation of the final damaged sections of the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway, covering the stretch from Bonny Camp to Admiralty Way Junction and the VGC sections.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the commencement of the work, which he said was aimed at addressing risks associated with the deteriorating road and improving safety for motorists and other road users.
“Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given the go-ahead to start the rehabilitation of the phase of this Lekki-Epe Expressway and, all things being equal, we will start this week,” Daramola said.
He said the intervention was intended to improve conditions for residents and businesses along the corridor.
“This is to show the commitment of this administration to better the lives of Lagosians living in this part of the state and guarantee them an improved quality of life,” he said.
Daramola appealed to residents and business owners to cooperate with the government during the construction period.
“This new engagement will cover from Bonny Camp to Admiralty Way Junction up onto VGC sections. We therefore request the cooperation of residents and business owners to ensure a speedy turnaround time,” he said.
He said the stakeholders’ engagement was designed to allow the government to hear concerns from residents and businesses before work commenced, particularly given the risk of prolonged traffic congestion along the corridor.
“This stakeholders’ engagement, you will agree with me, is essential to making the best available for the people of Eti-Osa,” Daramola said.
“Safety and speed in delivery are of the essence to avoid long periods of traffic congestion around the Lekki axis.”
He added, “The kind of businesses and the people in the Eti-Osa part of Lagos are too important to this administration for us not to listen to you.
“It is for this reason we are having this meeting so we can listen to you and attend to all your requests, suggestions and advice before work commences.”
Musa, meanwhile, assured residents that officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and security personnel would be deployed day and night throughout the rehabilitation period.
“As long as work goes on in the Lekki axis, our officers will be there and definitely they will be there with policemen day and night,” he said.
“We are ready to work with our sister agencies to ensure timely delivery of these important roads.”
He also promised that adequate traffic signs would be provided along the route, responding to requests raised by residents at the stakeholders’ meeting.
The rehabilitation comes amid sustained pressure on the Lekki-Epe corridor following rapid urbanisation and the expansion of industrial, residential and transport infrastructure in the area.
The state said the corridor serves as a major gateway to the Lekki Free Zone and supports investments including the Dangote Refinery, Dangote Fertiliser Factory, Lekki Deep Sea Port, more than 500 housing estates, Eleganza Industrial Estate, Pan-Atlantic University and Lagos Business School.
Other major projects connected to the corridor include the Omu Creek project, the proposed Lekki International Airport, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Green Line rail project.
The state said the pressure on the road had previously prompted the Sanwo-Olu administration to declare a state of emergency on the corridor and adopt reinforced concrete pavement for sections of the highway.
The first phase, covering 18.75km from Eleko to Epe T-Junction, was awarded in November 2020 and completed in February 2023.
The government subsequently awarded Phases IIA and IIB, from Eleko Junction to Abraham Adesanya, while rehabilitation works on the damaged sections from Admiralty Intersection to Ajah Jubilee Flyover have also been completed.
According to the state, a total of 69.44km of the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe Expressway has so far been reconstructed or rehabilitated, comprising 49.7km of reinforced rigid pavement and 19.76km of flexible pavement.