Lagos State lawmaker Desmond Elliot has called on Lagosians to take ownership of public roads and work towards eliminating the rising menace of roadside parking, particularly by large articulated vehicles. His statement, made during the commissioning of four newly constructed roads in the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, has sparked significant public discussion about road usage and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws in the state.
The event, which took place on January 28, 2025, saw Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside his deputy, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, and other notable political figures including the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, and local traditional rulers, gather to celebrate the completion of the roads. The commissioning was a major milestone in the ongoing effort to improve Lagos’ infrastructure, but Elliot’s call for a change in public attitude towards road usage quickly became the highlight of the day.
Elliot, a third-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency, expressed his frustration with the practice of parking vehicles, particularly trucks, along major roads in Lagos. He made it clear that the newly developed roads were meant for the movement of people, not as spaces for vehicles to idle.
“Lagos roads are not meant for parking,” Elliot declared passionately in front of the crowd. “These roads are meant to benefit the people and facilitate movement. We cannot continue to allow them to be blocked by trucks, containers, or any other vehicles. It’s time we start owning our roads, respecting them, and discouraging illegal parking.”
This sentiment was echoed by several members of the local government, who were present at the commissioning. Speaking further, Elliot highlighted his role in the House Committee on Works, where he has overseen various infrastructure developments in the state. Reflecting on the improvements seen in the last two years, he stressed that the government had made significant strides in road infrastructure, but the challenge of roadside parking remained a serious hindrance.
“I remember, as Chairman of the House Committee on Works, coming here alongside the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, and we were all amazed at the progress. The work done in the past two years is truly commendable. But we must now do our part as citizens to protect and preserve these roads,” Elliot emphasized.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, has long struggled with traffic congestion, which has been exacerbated by vehicles parking on roads and obstructing traffic flow. The issue is particularly prevalent along the busy highways, where large trucks often park for hours, sometimes even days, while waiting to deliver goods to local businesses. This practice has led to severe traffic delays, accidents, and a general decline in the quality of life for residents.
Elliot’s comments have struck a chord with many residents who have long been frustrated by the chaos caused by roadside parking. For years, Lagosians have watched helplessly as trucks and other vehicles park on major roads, blocking lanes and creating bottlenecks during peak hours. Despite laws against such practices, enforcement has been lax, leaving many to wonder if change is possible.
“We need to take action, not just as lawmakers, but as citizens. We must all ensure that our roads are used properly,” Elliot said, urging the public to report instances of illegal parking and to encourage others to respect the rules.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who attended the event, also lent his support to Elliot’s message. While acknowledging the progress made in improving Lagos’ infrastructure, he stressed that the responsibility to maintain these roads lies with everyone in the state.
“It’s not just about building roads,” Sanwo-Olu remarked during his speech. “It’s about ensuring that these roads remain functional, safe, and accessible to everyone. We must not allow any activity, such as illegal parking, to ruin the investments we’ve made in our infrastructure.”
The issue of roadside parking has also become a point of tension between the Lagos State Government and commercial drivers. In recent years, there have been numerous complaints from residents about the lack of parking facilities and the disregard for traffic laws. This has led to increased enforcement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who regularly clamp down on illegal parking, particularly in high-traffic areas.
However, critics argue that the government has not done enough to provide adequate parking spaces or create alternative routes for trucks, forcing them to use roads as temporary parking lots. Others have pointed to the lack of coordination between the various government agencies responsible for transportation and road safety as a barrier to effective enforcement.
In response to these concerns, Elliot proposed that the Lagos State Government should do more to build designated parking areas, particularly for articulated vehicles, to ease congestion and improve traffic flow. He also suggested that greater collaboration between the government, local businesses, and transport unions was essential to finding long-term solutions.
“We cannot expect change if we do not work together,” Elliot stated. “It’s time for all stakeholders to come together and find a way to address these issues. We need designated parking spaces, better planning, and a commitment from everyone to follow the rules.”
Despite the challenges, the Lagos State Government has made significant progress in improving road infrastructure in recent years. From expanding existing roads to constructing new ones, the state has focused on enhancing connectivity and reducing traffic congestion. However, as Elliot pointed out, these efforts could be undermined if the issue of illegal parking is not addressed.
