Abandoned Ayobo-Ipaja road project leaves residents frustrated

• State in process of re-awarding contract, says govt official
Residents of Ayetoro and Lafenwa-Itele communities have called on the Lagos State government to complete the abandoned road project connecting Ayobo-Ipaja to Ogun State.

The project, initiated in 2023, has been stalled for months, causing significant disruption for commuters and residents.
A commercial motorist, Kingsley Obi, expressed his disappointment, stating that the incomplete road has shattered the hopes of property owners and residents in the border communities.

“I was a commercial motorcyclist when the Lagos State government began constructing the bridge in 2018,” Obi said. “I was optimistic, but they halted work at the bridge. Construction resumed in 2023, only to stop again.”

Kazeem Otufowora, a nine-year resident, shared his complaint. “I drive an SUV, which is expensive to maintain, and the road’s condition is a deterrent to buying a new car. I often leave my car at home when it rains, and driving is a risky venture,” he explained.

A petty trader at Mopol Junction, Shakirat Alabi, revealed that construction workers cited a lack of materials and funding for the project’s suspension.

Also, Shola Rasaki, a meat seller at the same junction, added, “We’ve had to close our businesses repeatedly due to the road’s poor state. We pray for dry weather to conduct our trade peacefully.”

He appealed to the government to address their concerns, highlighting the constant danger posed by the unfinished road.

Other residents and property owners echoed these sentiments, urging the Lagos State government to resume the project and prioritise their safety and well-being.

Director of Public Affairs and Research at the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr Adekunle Adeshina, responded to the concerns, explaining that the contract was terminated due to the previous contractor’s non-performance.

He assured residents that the state is in the process of re-awarding the contract, and work is expected to restart before the end of the year.