The Lagos State Government has announced a major traffic diversion in the Ifako-Ijaiye area of the state as it begins construction works on Baale Animashaun Road. The diversion is part of an ongoing drainage reconstruction project aimed at improving water flow and reducing flooding in the community.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in an official statement released to inform residents, motorists, and business owners in the affected area.
According to the government, the construction will involve the building of a culvert and the upgrading of drainage channels that serve Baale Animashaun Road and surrounding streets. The project is expected to improve stormwater management in the area, which has experienced repeated flooding during heavy rainfall.
The government explained that the project is necessary to channel stormwater runoff from Adfarm Estate, Adson Street, and nearby communities. Officials said the goal is to reduce flooding, protect roads from damage, and improve overall environmental safety in the area.
Work on the project is scheduled to begin on June 15 and is expected to last for about eight weeks. During this period, movement of vehicles along the corridor will be restricted, and motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.
Mr. Osiyemi said the state government understands the inconvenience the road closure may cause but stressed that the project is important for long-term benefits. He added that residents in the area will eventually enjoy better road conditions and improved drainage after completion of the work.
He also warned that there will be no vehicular access into Baale Animashaun Road from the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway throughout the construction period. Motorists approaching from that direction will have to make use of other approved routes.
For motorists coming from Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and heading towards Baale Animashaun Road, the government advised them to use the Ijaiye Bus Stop Junction. From there, they are expected to move through Agbado-Ijaiye Road and connect via Alakuko Road to reach their destinations.
The commissioner also listed additional alternative routes to ease movement during the construction period. These include using Jendor Junction through Alhaji Ganiyu Road, as well as Ajegunle-Ilo Bus Stop through Adetiba Street, which links Fagbeyiro Abayomi and Fola Azeez Streets.
According to the government, these diversions were carefully selected to reduce traffic pressure on surrounding roads and ensure that movement within the community continues as smoothly as possible during the project.
Mr. Osiyemi appealed to motorists, commercial drivers, and residents to cooperate with traffic management officials who will be deployed to guide road users throughout the construction period. He also urged drivers to obey traffic signs and follow instructions given by officials on ground.
He said such cooperation is necessary to avoid confusion, reduce delays, and ensure safety for both road users and construction workers.
The Lagos State Government has in recent years embarked on several road and drainage projects across different parts of the state. These projects are part of broader efforts to address persistent flooding, improve road infrastructure, and support the growing population of Africa’s most populous city.
Flooding has remained a major challenge in many parts of Lagos, especially during the rainy season. Poor drainage systems, blocked water channels, and rapid urban development have often contributed to waterlogging and damage to roads and properties.
In response, the government has increased investment in drainage construction and road rehabilitation projects, particularly in flood-prone communities like Ifako-Ijaiye, Agege, and parts of the Lagos Mainland.
Officials say that while such construction projects may cause temporary inconvenience, they are essential for long-term urban planning and environmental management.
Residents of Baale Animashaun Road and surrounding communities have been urged to plan their movements ahead of time and make use of the alternative routes provided by the government. Commercial transport operators have also been advised to adjust their routes to avoid unnecessary delays and congestion.
Traffic officials are expected to be stationed at key diversion points to manage the flow of vehicles and assist motorists unfamiliar with the new routes.
The government assured that updates will be provided as the project progresses, and normal traffic flow will be restored once construction is completed.
As Lagos continues to expand, authorities say infrastructure upgrades like the Baale Animashaun drainage project remain critical to building a more resilient city that can better handle flooding and transportation challenges.
For now, residents are advised to exercise patience, follow traffic guidelines, and cooperate fully with officials to ensure a smooth transition during the eight-week construction period.