The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, recently rehabilitated to facilitate smoother travel between Lagos and Ibadan, has come under scrutiny for posing significant safety risks to local residents. In a letter addressed to the Honorable Minister of Works, Mrs. Esther Ogundipe highlighted the urgent need for safety measures on the Toll Gate-Iwo Road axis of the expressway.
Mrs. Ogundipe emphasized that while the improved expressway has eased travel for many, it has also inadvertently become a perilous crossing for residents of Ibadan. The stretch of road, which is predominantly residential, lacks essential infrastructure such as pedestrian bridges and flyovers, resulting in numerous fatalities.
“Several lives have been lost and will potentially be lost if residents are compelled to continue crossing that expressway on a daily basis,” she wrote. Mrs. Ogundipe underscored the vulnerability of specific groups including the elderly, pregnant women, and young children who face daily risks crossing the busy road.
Additionally, Mrs. Ogundipe pointed out the inconvenience caused by the absence of flyovers, which forces residents to travel up to 10 kilometers to make U-turns. She argued that such an arrangement is impractical for a residential area and does not align with global best practices in urban planning and city management.
The plea to the Minister calls for immediate action to install pedestrian bridges at critical points and ensure the expressway is developed with necessary safeguards to prevent further loss of life.
“In your tenure, you have been recognized as a pragmatic and development-oriented leader. I appeal to you to address these concerns expeditiously, prioritizing the safety and well-being of citizens,” she urged.
The letter reflects the community’s hope that the government will take swift measures to enhance the safety of the expressway, ensuring that it serves its intended purpose without compromising the lives of those living along its path.
For more information, contact Esther Ogundipe at estherogundipe03@yahoo.com.
