Residents of Agbado, Abule Ijoko, Itoki, Ope-Ilu and other neighbouring communities in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State have decried the worsening condition of roads in the area, describing the situation as a major source of hardship, insecurity and economic losses.

The residents, who spoke during a visit to the communities on Tuesday, said the roads had remained in deplorable condition for more than 15 years despite repeated appeals to successive administrations.

A visit to the area revealed that the approximately 13-kilometre stretch linking Agbado Oja to Abule Ijoko has largely collapsed, with several sections rendered impassable by deep potholes, erosion and overgrown vegetation.

One of the residents, Waheed Sanyaolu, said the poor state of the road has isolated the communities and negatively affected residents’ daily activities.

“We are suffering and feel completely cut off from civilisation. We have made several appeals to the government without any meaningful response. The only intervention we witnessed was during the administration of former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, but it did not bring lasting relief,” he said.

Motorists and commuters were seen struggling to navigate waterlogged sections of the road, while several vehicles and motorcycles broke down due to the deteriorating condition of the route.

Another resident noted that flooding during the rainy season has further worsened the situation.

“Travelling from Agbado Crossing to Abule Ijoko should take about 10 minutes, but the road has become almost unusable except by motorcycle. Even motorcyclists now resort to alternative inner routes through Gasline, Oluasho and Oyetedo before reconnecting to the main road,” he said.

Rising Insecurity

Residents also expressed concern over increasing insecurity, blaming the poor road network for frequent attacks by hoodlums, particularly at night.

According to Olatunji, a resident, commuters and commercial motorcyclists have become easy targets for criminals.

“Because of the bad roads, hoodlums regularly attack residents returning home from work. Passengers are robbed while motorcycles are often seized from riders. One victim was recently struck on the head with a hammer,” he alleged.

Residents Blame Train Station Construction

The residents attributed the rapid deterioration of the roads to the construction activities associated with the Lateef Jakande Train Station at Agbado Crossing.

They claimed that heavy-duty trucks transporting construction materials from the Sango-Ota axis caused extensive damage to the already fragile roads.

“The roads were bad before, but they were still manageable. Everything got worse when trucks began moving construction materials to the train station around 2017. After the project was completed, the roads were abandoned without repairs,” a community member said.

Transport Costs Soar

Commercial transport operators said the condition of the roads has significantly increased vehicle maintenance costs, forcing many to raise transport fares.

A motorcycle rider, Taoreed, lamented that he spends substantial amounts on repairs.

“Today alone, I spent N18,000 repairing my motorcycle. This has become a regular occurrence, and it is affecting our livelihood,” he said.

Flooding Threatens Residents

Residents also appealed for urgent intervention to clear blocked drainage channels around Bashy Bus Stop, warning that flooding poses serious risks to schoolchildren and other road users.

A female resident said heavy rainfall recently submerged parts of the area.

“The drainage under the footbridge is blocked and causing severe flooding. Students are forced to walk through floodwaters after school. The situation is dangerous and requires immediate attention,” she said.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Ogun State Commissioner for Works, Ade Akinsanya, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages sent to her were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

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The International Monetary Fund has warned that Nigerians may face more difficult economic conditions in the coming months as rising food and transport costs continue to strain household incomes.

The warning was issued by the IMF’s African Department Director, Abebe Selassie, during a briefing at the ongoing Spring Meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Washington, D.C.

Selassie said global shocks, including geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, are already driving up the cost of living across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria among the hardest hit.

According to him, transportation costs have surged significantly, affecting both urban and rural populations and pushing food prices even higher.

“The immediate effect will be pressure on food security and transportation, which will ultimately raise the cost of food,” he said, noting that many households are already feeling the impact.

He added that the rising cost of living is making daily survival increasingly difficult for Nigerians, as inflation continues to erode purchasing power.

Despite these challenges, the IMF noted that Nigeria could benefit from rising crude oil prices, with key grades such as Brass River and Qua Iboe trading above $113 per barrel—well above the $60 benchmark in the 2026 budget.

Analysts say the surge in oil prices, driven by tensions in the Middle East and uncertainties around U.S.-Iran relations, could boost government revenue in the short term.

However, the IMF cautioned that the potential windfall may not translate into broad economic relief, as structural challenges and debt obligations remain significant.

The Fund projected that Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio will rise to 33.1 percent by 2027, highlighting concerns about fiscal sustainability despite a slight downward revision from earlier estimates.

Data from the Debt Management Office shows that the country’s total public debt rose to ₦159.27 trillion as of the fourth quarter of 2025.

On policy direction, the IMF advised the government to maintain ongoing economic reforms, improve revenue generation, and prioritise critical spending.

Selassie stressed that abandoning reforms could worsen the situation, warning that inconsistent policies may derail long-term economic stability.

He also emphasised the need for stronger domestic revenue mobilisation, improved tax efficiency, and better public spending management.

In addition, the IMF warned against broad-based subsidies, describing them as costly and difficult to sustain, while urging policymakers to adopt targeted interventions that protect vulnerable populations.

Experts have also raised concerns about Nigeria’s fiscal outlook, noting that while the debt-to-GDP ratio appears moderate, the country’s limited revenue base poses a bigger risk.

They argue that a large informal economy and weak tax collection reduce the government’s capacity to service debt effectively.

Economic analysts further warned that higher oil prices could lead to increased fuel costs domestically, especially as the government maintains its stance against fuel subsidies.

This, they say, could worsen inflation and deepen economic hardship for millions of Nigerians already grappling with rising living costs.

The post IMF Warns Of Tougher Times For Nigerians Amid Rising Costs appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

…..Proceeds to fund roads, housing, energy, and social projects

The Lagos State Government has issued a ₦200 billion bond to finance major infrastructure projects, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s most active and reliable subnational players in the domestic capital market.

The issuance is part of the state’s long-term strategy to close funding gaps in transportation, housing, energy, and social services.

Lagos has maintained a consistent presence in Nigeria’s debt market since 2002, when it became the first subnational government to issue a floating-rate bond valued at ₦15 billion.

Subsequent issuances, including an ₦80 billion bond in 2012, the ₦87.5 billion Series II bond in 2017, and the ₦137.3 billion bond in 2020, were structured under multi-series programs to attract institutional investors and fund high-impact projects.

All previous bonds have been fully repaid or continue to perform as scheduled, a record that analysts say underpins the state’s strong market reputation.

The proceeds from the new bond will support priority investments across multiple sectors, including road and bridge expansions, mass transit systems, affordable housing schemes, renewable energy projects, and social welfare facilities.

Officials highlighted that these projects align with Lagos’ long-term development blueprint, aiming to improve mobility, expand housing access, and enhance resilience in urban service delivery.

Market analysts project a high subscription rate for the bond due to Lagos’ competitive pricing, disciplined debt management, and growing internally generated revenue base.

They note that the issuance demonstrates investor confidence and reflects the increasing maturity of Nigeria’s subnational debt market, where credible states are leveraging capital markets to finance infrastructure amid constrained federal transfers.

The bond issuance further signals Lagos’ commitment to sustaining infrastructure investment despite fiscal pressures faced by subnational governments nationwide. By accessing long-term capital through the domestic market, Lagos presents a model for other states seeking to bridge widening infrastructure deficits while fostering a more resilient and investable urban economy.

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Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, has issued a strict November 10 deadline to members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to comply with the Lekki e-call up system following repeated violations by tanker operators.

Speaking during a meeting with NUPENGNUPENG executives at the Ministry of Transportation’s conference room in Alausa, Ikeja, Osiyemi expressed concern over the continuous disregard for the online booking system.

He said the violations have encouraged illegal cash payments and indiscriminate parking of tankers along the Lekki-Epe corridor, causing congestion and disrupting traffic management efforts.

The commissioner reaffirmed that the e-call up platform is designed to ensure every truck is validated and cleared before accessing designated parking areas, leaving no room for shortcuts or manual processing.

He warned that the state government would begin strict enforcement against defaulters who fail to comply by the deadline.

NUPENG officials at the meeting pledged to immediately sensitise their members and ensure full adherence to the directive, while also working with the ministry to resolve other operational issues raised during the discussion.

Senior officials of the Lekki e-call up system and top management staff of the Ministry of Transportation were also present at the meeting.

The post Lagos Gives NUPENG November 10 Deadline to Comply with Lekki E-Call Up System appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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

The post Lekki–Epe Expressway Gridlock: Bad Roads, Lost Time, and Lagos’ Failing Infrastructure appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government has officially launched the construction of Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge, a project expected to further ease transportation and boost economic activities across the South-East region. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Ogbunike along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, with President Bola Tinubu represented by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

Speaking at the event, President Tinubu described the bridge, commissioned in 2023, as a game-changer for interstate commuting but noted that its full benefits had been slowed by incomplete access roads. “This new phase will address the missing links by delivering a 17.5-kilometre dual carriageway with seven bridges and modern facilities, including security cameras to ensure safety along the corridor,” he said.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, explained that funding for the project would follow a work-progress model, with 30 per cent of the contract sum already disbursed. He urged host communities to support the construction, warning against disruptions. “President Tinubu’s commitment to South-East development is clear, from key appointments in his government to projects like this one. This road will transform interstate travel, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate trade across Anambra and Delta states,” Umahi said.

Governor Soludo commended the Federal Government’s efforts but stressed that the bridge would only be fully functional when the entire 35-kilometre access road is completed. He appealed to traditional rulers and youth leaders to cooperate with contractors to ensure timely delivery. “We must work together to prevent obstructions. This project is too important for our region’s growth to be delayed,” Soludo said.

The contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, represented by General Manager Gius Cheng, assured stakeholders of timely and quality execution. He pledged that the project would meet international standards and deliver lasting value to the region.

The ceremony featured cultural prayers led by Igwe Awkuzu, the closest traditional ruler to the project site, invoking blessings for its successful completion.

The post FG Flags Off Phase 2B Access Road to Second Niger Bridge appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In an address to residents detailing his administration’s efforts, the governor also announced a reduction in the number of days civil servants are required to work from their offices.

Under the new directive, civil servants from levels 1 to 14 will have the opportunity to work from home twice a week, while those from levels 15 to 17 will be permitted to work remotely once a week.

“We want to start with our public servants. Immediately from next week, civil servants from lower levels will be working three times a week, and those from levels 15 to 17 can work four times a week,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.

He clarified that government operations would not cease entirely but would be structured and scheduled accordingly. Additionally, he announced that the 25% reduction in transportation fares for state-owned services, including BRT, train, and ferry, would take effect starting this weekend.

Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu assured that various categories of civil servants, including teachers, would receive additional support to ensure they could work five days a week.

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The governor also disclosed that the state is expecting 300 trailer loads of foodstuff and has devised plans to ensure equitable distribution to those in need. Additionally, the government plans to construct four food hubs to revolutionize food distribution and combat rising food costs.

“We will establish Sunday Markets in at least 42 identified markets across Lagos State, where residents can purchase food items at discounted prices, with a limit of up to N25,000 per purchase,” Governor Sanwo-Olu announced.

READ ALSO: Economic hardship: Lagos civil servants to work from office three days a week, says Sanwo-Olu

He further revealed that in addition to the ongoing construction of food hubs, seven more locations across various local governments have been identified for the development of additional food hubs.

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