The growing destruction of public infrastructure by scavengers has raised fresh concerns over the safety and durability of critical facilities in Lagos, with residents calling for urgent government intervention.

The concern follows reports of vandalism at the Alakija-Festac link bridge, where individuals suspected to be scavengers allegedly removed parts of the structure’s metal reinforcement after breaking through its concrete covering.

The incident has renewed attention on the damage caused by the illegal removal of metals from public infrastructure. Residents fear that continued interference with structural components could compromise facilities designed to serve thousands of people.

Drainage infrastructure also targeted

The problem extends beyond bridges.

Vanguard reported an earlier incident in an upscale estate in Alimosho, where scavengers removed six sets of metal gutter covers from a drainage system in the early hours of the morning.

The missing covers created a dangerous opening in front of a residential property. One resident subsequently drove into the uncovered drainage channel and reportedly spent more than ₦500,000 repairing his vehicle. The incident occurred in January 2024.

The incident illustrates how the theft of seemingly minor infrastructure components can quickly create safety risks for residents and motorists.

Bridge vandalism raises bigger concerns

The recent damage to the Alakija-Festac link bridge has generated even greater concern because of the structural role played by its reinforcement.

According to the report, scavengers allegedly broke through sections of concrete surrounding the bridge’s pillars and removed exposed iron reinforcement.

The report also said portions of the laterite piling beneath the bridge had been dug into, creating additional concerns about the condition of the structure.

The situation prompted Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to inspect the affected location after videos of the damage circulated online.

The governor ordered efforts to identify those responsible for the alleged vandalism and described the destruction of public infrastructure as a serious concern.

Why infrastructure vandalism matters to housing

Infrastructure vandalism is not only a transportation or security issue. It has direct consequences for the built environment.

Roads, bridges, drainage systems, street lighting, water infrastructure and other public facilities form the foundation on which communities function.

When these facilities are damaged or removed, residents can face increased safety risks, flooding, higher maintenance costs and reduced access to essential services.

For property owners, deteriorating infrastructure can also affect the attractiveness and value of surrounding neighbourhoods.

The removal of drainage covers, for example, can expose residents to accidents while also contributing to poor drainage conditions when damaged infrastructure is not promptly restored.

The economic cost

Public infrastructure represents significant investment by government and taxpayers.

When components are stolen or damaged, authorities must spend additional resources on repairs and replacement rather than directing those funds towards new infrastructure or community development.

The problem therefore creates a cycle in which government spends money building infrastructure, criminals dismantle parts of it for scrap, and public funds are subsequently required to restore the damaged facilities.

Enforcement and scrap-metal regulation

The incidents also raise questions about the scrap-metal trade and the channels through which stolen public infrastructure enters the market.

A stronger system for monitoring scrap-metal dealers, identifying stolen infrastructure components and enforcing penalties for vandalism could help reduce the incentive to target public facilities.

At the same time, authorities need to address the economic conditions that push some people into informal scavenging while maintaining clear boundaries between legitimate recycling activities and the destruction of public assets.

For Lagos and other rapidly growing Nigerian cities, protecting existing infrastructure is becoming just as important as building new facilities.

As urban populations increase and infrastructure comes under greater pressure, unchecked vandalism could undermine the safety, functionality and economic value of entire communities.

The challenge for government is therefore twofold: build infrastructure that meets growing demand and protect what has already been built.

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A severe downpour on June 28 submerged critical infrastructure, closed commercial hubs, and briefly paralyzed activities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport international terminal, creating widespread anxiety over impending Lagos flood risks. The torrential weekend rainfall severely affected notable areas including Oshodi, Mushin, Surulere, Egbeda’s Akowonjo Road, Gbagada Expressway, and Idi-Oro. This incident struck just as regulatory bodies issued warnings regarding the peak flood season expected between July and September.

At the airport, rising waters forced the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to shut down operations at its temporary international facility when water reached the main powerhouse. Consequently, officials disconnected power grid access for safety, redirecting major international carriers such as Air France-KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and Fly Gabon to Terminal Two. Meanwhile, urban areas like Gbagada, Ipaja, and Surulere witnessed knee-deep floods that trapped residents and halted daily commuting.

Videos circulating on social platforms depicted vehicles nearly submerged up to window levels, and commuters in Oshodi desperately seeking safety as portions of the public transit hub overflowed. The intense rainfall also breached domestic thresholds, leaving the lower levels of several residential buildings completely underwater. Although the water receded by Monday morning to allow business activities to slowly restart, traders and inhabitants lamented that the crisis highlights the state’s persistent exposure to environmental hazards despite public safety pledges.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) collectively designated the July-to-September window as the period of ultimate vulnerability. According to NiMet’s 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction, a weak La Niña followed by a neutral ENSO phase has triggered predictions of an elongated rainy season with a delayed end. Projections show extreme annual precipitation reaching up to 2,010mm in Badagry and averaging 1,965mm across all 20 local government areas. Furthermore, NIHSA’s 2026 Annual Flood Outlook listed Lagos among 33 high-risk states, stating that a combination of rapid urbanization and overstretched drainage systems aggravates coastal and flash flood events.

To mitigate future occurrences, NEMA’s territorial arm flagged specific zones like Alimosho, Ikeja, and Epe as flash points, warning that Ikorodu and Isheri could face surges from the Oyan Dam. In response, Mahmood Adegbite, Permanent Secretary for the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, affirmed that flood mitigation is the administration’s primary directive. Adegbite revealed that a new flood insurance policy has been introduced via the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency to assist victims, while structural long-term projects—such as the 36-month System 1 drainage channel—are entering their initial phases of execution.

Reflecting on immediate causes, government officials noted that over a week of continuous rain had already fully saturated the soil and raised lagoon levels, thereby overwhelming existing networks. In reaction, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu greenlit emergency maintenance across major canals. Recent inspections also uncovered unauthorized real estate expansions on natural wetlands and waterways, prompting immediate demolition exercises. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment is contemplating future mandates requiring residential properties to allocate 40 percent of their plots to green spaces to enhance natural ground absorption.

While Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab urged the public to stay calm—characterizing the weekend crisis as transient flash flooding exacerbated by coastal topography—he admonished residents to stop dumping refuse in public drains. Having recently published an exhaustive list of endangered zones including Lekki, Apapa, and Lagos Island, authorities warn that the upcoming months represent the most challenging period of the year for communities situated near low-lying riverbanks.

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The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to global best practices in urban planning and physical development as part of efforts to promote sustainable growth and improve residents’ quality of life.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing held to mark the seventh year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

Strategic Urban Planning Reforms

Olumide said the ministry has strengthened strategic planning collaborations and knowledge-sharing initiatives designed to improve long-term urban development across Lagos State.

According to him, the reforms are expected to enhance infrastructure coordination, improve urban mobility, reduce environmental degradation, and support broader socio-economic development.

He noted that the government is aligning all physical development activities with approved planning standards and international urban management practices.

Improved Dispute Resolution and Enforcement

To improve compliance and public trust, the ministry intensified mediation and conflict resolution mechanisms for development-related disputes.

Olumide disclosed that the ministry received 987 petitions during the review period. Out of these:

• 399 cases were resolved through mediation
• 17 enforcement actions were carried out
• 52 properties were sealed
• 519 cases remain under investigation

He stated that the 47.76 per cent resolution rate has helped reduce litigation, improve enforcement efficiency, and strengthen public confidence in the system.

Technology-Driven Planning and Infrastructure Support

The commissioner said the ministry is increasingly adopting data-driven planning systems and digital tools to improve decision-making, land-use management, and spatial coordination.

He added that the government has also facilitated Right of Way approvals for key infrastructure projects, including road expansion and urban regeneration programmes.

Olumide stressed that enforcement activities have helped reduce unregulated estate development and promote safer and more organised communities across the state.

Urban Renewal and Corridor Development

As part of ongoing urban renewal efforts, the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority developed action plans for key corridors and informal spaces, including:

• AIT Powerline High Tension Corridor
• New Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge area
• Agric–Isawo corridor
• Itamaga–Elepe–Maya corridor
• Ogolonto–Ipakodo corridor

The interventions included mapping, stakeholder engagement, enforcement notices, and action area planning to prevent encroachment and restore order.

Appeals Committee Reconstituted

Olumide also announced the reconstitution of the 14-member Lagos State Physical Planning and Building Control Appeals Committee.

The committee will handle disputes, oversee regulatory issues, and investigate professional misconduct within the planning and building control system.

Regional Planning and Future Projects

He further disclosed that Lagos State has been assigned to lead the development of a master plan for the South-West region, alongside plans for an integrated rail transit system across the region.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a smart, sustainable, and well-organised city through continued reforms and inter-agency collaboration.

According to him, Lagos remains focused on balancing infrastructure development with environmental sustainability and economic growth to improve residents’ quality of life.

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The Federal Government has officially handed over the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure and improve public safety.

The handover ceremony took place at Carter Bridge on Lagos Island, according to a statement issued in Abuja by the spokesperson to the Minister of Works, Francis Nwaze.

Umahi Explains Need For New Bridge

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the decision to reconstruct the bridge followed years of structural investigations that revealed serious defects beneath both Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

According to Umahi, underwater investigations into the structural integrity of the bridges first began in 2013, with another assessment conducted in 2019.

“The past administration commissioned an investigation of what was happening with the structural elements below the water, and that was in 2013. And the very disturbing defects were noticed in Carter Bridge and 3rd Mainland Bridge,” Umahi said.

Investigations Revealed Structural Defects

The minister explained that after the current administration assumed office, additional underwater investigations were carried out involving geologists and specialist divers.

The findings reportedly confirmed that some of the bridge piles had shifted from their pile caps, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the structures.

Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government subsequently engaged local and foreign bridge experts, stakeholders, and members of the National Assembly to determine the best engineering solution.

FG Chooses Reconstruction Over Repairs

According to the minister, experts advised that repairing the Carter Bridge would cost nearly twice the amount required to build a completely new bridge.

Following technical reviews and consultations, the Federal Government approved the construction of a modern replacement bridge to ensure safety and durability.

The project forms part of the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda aimed at protecting critical national assets and improving transportation networks across the country.

The post FG Hands Over New Carter Bridge Construction To CCECC In Lagos appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The (LASBCA) has advised residents living near a collapsed three-storey building in the to temporarily relocate while authorities conduct safety and structural integrity assessments.

The building, located on Adu Street in Aguda, collapsed on Monday and had been housing Yemco Daycare Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, raising serious concerns among residents and authorities about the safety of nearby structures.

Residents urged to vacate temporarily

In a statement issued on Tuesday, LASBCA’s Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, explained that the relocation advisory was issued as a precautionary measure to prevent further risks to residents.

According to the agency, the temporary evacuation will allow technical experts to examine neighbouring buildings and determine whether they remain structurally safe.

Ademuyiwa noted that the collapse had generated anxiety in the neighbourhood, prompting authorities to move quickly to assess the surrounding environment.

“As part of precautionary measures, occupants of nearby buildings have been advised to vacate their premises temporarily while safety assessments are being carried out,” the statement said.

Students hospitalised after building collapse

Earlier reports indicated that several pupils were hospitalised after sustaining injuries during evacuation from the building before it fully collapsed.

The incident reportedly occurred around 11 a.m. on Monday, when the building housing the school suddenly caved in.

Witnesses said students were engaged in classroom activities when residents nearby noticed cracks forming on the building’s wall and quickly raised an alarm.

The warning enabled staff and residents to evacuate the building before the structure gave way.

Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, although several occupants sustained injuries during the emergency evacuation.

Investigation into cause begins

The Lagos State Building Control Agency has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

Preliminary findings suggest that construction or structural modification work may have been ongoing on the property before the incident.

However, Ademuyiwa said a full technical investigation would determine the exact cause of the collapse.

“Preliminary observations indicate that some form of building activity had been ongoing at the property before the incident. However, a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse,” he said.

Concern over building safety in Lagos

Building collapses have remained a recurring safety concern in , Nigeria’s commercial capital, where rapid urban development and regulatory violations have sometimes resulted in structural failures.

Urban development experts have repeatedly warned that poor adherence to building regulations, substandard construction materials, and unauthorized modifications often contribute to such incidents.

Authorities say strict enforcement of building regulations is necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

LASBCA urges compliance with building regulations

Following the latest incident, LASBCA reiterated the importance of compliance with building control regulations across the state.

The agency urged property owners, developers, and contractors to obtain proper approvals and maintain communication with regulatory authorities when undertaking construction, renovation, or structural modification projects.

Officials also appealed to residents in the affected area to remain calm and cooperate with safety officials while the structural assessments are ongoing.

According to the agency, the results of the investigation will determine whether neighbouring structures require reinforcement, repair, or demolition.

Urban safety experts believe that proactive enforcement and improved monitoring could significantly reduce the frequency of building collapses in the state.

For now, authorities say their immediate priority remains ensuring the safety of residents while technical experts complete the structural evaluations.

The post Lagos Urges Residents to Relocate After School Building Collapse in Ogba appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has said the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos will serve as a major evacuation corridor for cargo and significantly ease congestion at the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Dangote Refinery upon completion.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of ongoing construction works along the Lekki corridor, describing the road as a strategic infrastructure project designed to unlock economic growth and strengthen national logistics mobility.

According to the minister, the 7th Axial Road, located behind the Dangote Refinery, will function as a dedicated cargo evacuation route linking the Lekki industrial hub to the Sagamu corridor and other parts of the country. He said the project is central to reducing pressure on existing road networks while supporting seamless operations at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

Strategic Economic Importance

Umahi stressed that the road, once completed, will not only ease port congestion but also deliver long-term economic benefits to Lagos State and Nigeria at large. He explained that the corridor will enhance the movement of goods, strengthen supply chains, and improve connectivity between key industrial zones.

“The 7th Axial Road is critical to the success of port operations and industrial expansion within the Lekki axis,” the minister said, noting that it complements other major infrastructure projects such as the Coastal Road and Dangote Road.

He added that the project aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda of modernising Nigeria’s transport infrastructure to support economic diversification and industrial development.

Unlocking Swampy Corridors

Umahi vowed to address the engineering challenges posed by the swampy terrain along the Dangote refinery route and other critical evacuation corridors. He assured that the Ministry of Works would deploy the necessary technical expertise and resources to ensure the project’s timely and durable completion.

During the inspection, the minister directed that roadbed filling works under Project Lot One must be completed by the end of April. He instructed the contractor to intensify on-site activities and scale up the deployment of manpower, equipment, and construction materials to meet project timelines.

He emphasised that tangible progress must be visible on the site and warned against delays that could undermine the strategic value of the corridor.

Confidence in Project Contractor

Umahi expressed confidence in China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), the project contractor, citing its successful delivery of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

He also referenced the company’s ongoing work on the Makurdi–Enugu road reconstruction and expansion project, describing the quality of construction as satisfactory.

A representative of CHEC assured the minister of the company’s commitment to delivering the 7th Axial Road on schedule. The contractor confirmed that resources have been scaled up at the construction site, with emphasis on safety, quality control, and environmental protection.

Environmental and Safety Compliance

The Minister further called for strict adherence to environmental standards and safety regulations throughout the construction period. He urged relevant regulatory agencies to monitor compliance and ensure that ecological considerations are not compromised.

He noted that the 7th Axial Road is designed to integrate seamlessly with other major infrastructure projects within the Lekki corridor, reinforcing its position as a critical transportation and industrial hub.

Boost for National Logistics

The Federal Government maintains that the completion of the road will strengthen Nigeria’s logistics architecture by improving cargo evacuation from ports and industrial facilities. The project is expected to reduce bottlenecks, lower transportation costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of goods movement across the country.

With the rapid expansion of industrial activities in the Lekki axis, particularly around the Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Deep Sea Port, authorities say the 7th Axial Road will play a decisive role in sustaining economic momentum and attracting further investments.

As construction progresses, stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors are closely monitoring developments, hopeful that the project will bring lasting relief to port congestion and position Lagos as a more competitive gateway for trade in West Africa.

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Lagos State has continued its long-standing engagement with the capital market with the launch of a new ₦200 billion bond, aimed at financing key infrastructure projects across the state.

Since issuing its first ₦15 billion floating-rate bond in 2002—the first by any subnational government in Nigeria—Lagos has consistently leveraged the market to support major development initiatives.

Previous issuances include an ₦80 billion bond in 2012, the ₦87.5 billion Series II bond in 2017, and the ₦137.3 billion bond in 2020, all part of multi-series programmes designed to enhance infrastructure investment and bridge funding gaps.

Notably, all prior bonds were either fully repaid or remain performing, reinforcing Lagos’ credibility among domestic investors and institutions.

The latest bond is expected to fund ongoing projects in transportation networks, housing schemes, renewable energy, and social infrastructure.

Analysts note that the state’s competitive pricing and strong fiscal base are likely to attract significant investor interest, highlighting both Lagos’ continued growth ambitions and the increasing sophistication of Nigeria’s subnational debt market.

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At 10 p.m. on Wednesday, when much of Lagos should have been quiet, the Lekki–Ajah corridor was still glowing red from endless brake lights. Car horns filled the air, and frustrated drivers leaned out of their windows, cursing and commiserating as the fumes of thousands of vehicles hung heavy.

For hours, the traffic hadn’t moved. There was no accident, no rainfall only a road so battered that it had become a trap. Some commuters, exhausted, turned off their engines and slumped in silence; others abandoned their cars, trekking home under dim streetlights.

It wasn’t just congestion; it was paralysis—complete gridlock on one of Lagos’ most vital commercial arteries.

“I spent four hours getting to work,” said Bayo Adeyinka, a financial expert, who later tagged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a viral post appealing for repairs. “There was no obstruction, just a bad road. Please fix it.”

By midnight, the jam still hadn’t eased. The Lekki–Epe Expressway—a lifeline for residents of Ajah, VGC, Abijo, and Ibeju-Lekki—had become a motionless parking lot.

The Road That Eats Time

From Abijo to Jakande, commuters described the day as endless. Sylvester Akobe said it took him five hours to cover a short distance, blaming the poor road. Tope Yisau spent nearly eight hours commuting to and from work—time lost to exhaustion and frustration.

Families suffer too. One father, Adekunle Shotubo, said his son now returns from school by 7 p.m. “When does he rest or do homework?” a friend replied. For many, long commutes have stolen rest, family time, and productivity.

Broken Infrastructure, Broken Spirits

Across social media, commuters shared their anger and fatigue.

“I left Ogombo at 5:10 a.m., and by 9:50 a.m., I still hadn’t reached Lekki Phase One,” wrote @EnergyGoddessA. “I get queried at work for lateness caused by roads only the government can fix.”

Another post read: “A car dodging a pothole nearly crashed. We shouldn’t have to live like this.”

The High Cost of Poor Planning

The Lekki–Epe corridor was meant to be a symbol of modern Lagos. Instead, it has become an example of unchecked expansion without matching infrastructure.

“The Epe/Lekki axis grows daily,” wrote researcher Charles Anazodo, “yet there’s only one route in and out. Lagos earns the highest IGR in Nigeria, but residents suffer from decayed roads.”

Other residents have called for alternative routes—bridges linking Ajah to Ikorodu, and new bypasses to ease pressure on the expressway.

Lagos Loses ₦4 Trillion Annually to Traffic

The Lekki–Epe corridor alone accounts for a major portion of Lagos’ ₦4 trillion annual loss to traffic congestion. Poor roads, encroachment, reckless parking, and weak enforcement turn the expressway into an obstacle course.

While the first rehabilitation phase (Eleko–Epe Junction) was reported 95% complete in 2022, the second phase, Eleko to Abraham Adesanya, remains slow, trapping thousands in gridlock daily

Encroachments also worsen the problem, as informal markets and illegal car lots occupy designated setbacks.

Trucks, Craters, and Chaos

The influx of heavy-duty trucks serving refineries and the Free Trade Zone has compounded the crisis. Overloaded vehicles damage the roads and clog narrow lanes, creating the “Apapa-style” gridlock residents now call the “Apaparisation of Lekki.”

Mental and Economic Toll

The impact goes beyond inconvenience. Residents describe psychological stress, lost work hours, and soaring fuel costs.

“We’re losing valuable time and risking our health,” wrote Oluwaseyi Oriola. “We need sustainable infrastructure and public transport.”

For others, the despair runs deep. “I cried driving from the Island to Yaba,” said Treasure Joy. “I dread going home.”

Failing Leadership and Fading Patience

Some residents have begun questioning leadership priorities. “A state generating over ₦50 billion monthly shouldn’t have this level of neglect,” wrote Mobolaji Johnson.

Many believe the crisis reflects years of underinvestment in road maintenance, poor planning, and slow policy response.

Government Response

The Lagos State Government has introduced several measures, including the E-Call Up System for trucks to regulate traffic around the Lekki–Epe Free Trade Zone. Set for full enforcement in August 2025, the system aims to prevent indiscriminate truck parking.

Authorities have also begun demolishing illegal structures along the corridor to reclaim road space. The ongoing rehabilitation of the Eti-Osa/Lekki–Epe Expressway covering 45 km is expected to ease congestion once completed.

Still, residents remain cautious. “The government has shown intent,” said Chief James Emadoye of the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association. “But intent alone cannot move vehicles. We need results.”

Until then, the Lekki–Epe Expressway remains a slow crawl of frustration—an enduring test of patience for thousands who call the corridor home.

Source: Punch

By: Godfrey George

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