It was a living hell for Lagosians on Friday as commuters on the Lagos/Ibadan expressway got stuck on the ever-busy road due to gridlock caused by bad the ongoing reconstruction.
As many reported, not only was the Lagos Ibadan expressway blocked but almost every major area in Lagos state. The 3rd mainland bridge, Ikeja, Oshodi, Ogba and a lot more were blocked.
It was reported that many commuters have had to sleep on the road, while many others have had to spend hours before navigating through to continue their journeys.
Commuting from places like Mowe, Ibafo, Magboro, and Arepo to Lagos which should averagely take between 20 minutes and 25 minutes has now extended to between six and 10 hours.
Also, the available buses and private car owners are latching on to the bad situation to increase fares, while those who are in a hurry are riding on Okadas to Berger near Lagos.
“The Government feels the pains of the people, especially residents of Lagos and Ogun States who are at the receiving end of the inconveniences due to the gridlock and sincerely apologise for the inconveniences caused while at the same time promising to make necessary improvements in the traffic management system on the road in other to alleviate the sufferings of the road users.
“To this end, the Federal Ministry of Works has concluded plans with the contractor to suspend the works for today Saturday 27th August 2022 to plan and make provisions for required improvements in traffic management on the road.
“The Government, however, wish to remind the public that the same road that is being reconstructed is also being used to accommodate traffic through dedicated diversions and therefore wish to appeal for the cooperation of all road users with the Contractor and Traffic Management Officers to allow for free-flow of traffic at all times, even while the reconstruction works are ongoing.
“To this end, we appeal to deterrent road users to desist from driving against traffic and obey all dedicated road diversions along the road to prevent unnecessary delays on the road.
“There is also provision for tow trucks along the road should in case of any breakdown, road users should be patient by not driving against traffic and obeying stationed road traffic officers to allow for free flow of traffic.
“In conclusion, it is a known fact, that there is no pain without gain, it is thus our utmost belief that the general public would be the ultimate beneficiaries of the world-class road infrastructure that the Government plans to deliver through the ongoing reconstruction works on the road. We, therefore, appeal for the cooperation of the general public towards this end.”
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