The Lagos State Government has declared that all gates and barriers installed without prior approval across the metropolis are illegal and will be dismantled.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced the government’s firm stance on the issue, giving residents a seven-day ultimatum to comply.
Failure to remove unauthorized gates within the stipulated timeframe, he warned, will attract enforcement actions, including penalties, in line with state regulations.
“The ministry of transportation has observed a surge in the installation of unauthorised gates, particularly in the Lekki axis,” Osiyemi said.
“Non-Compliance Endangers Public Safety”
Osiyemi highlighted the dangers posed by unregulated gates, noting their impact on traffic flow, emergency response, and public safety.
“Many of these gates were erected without the necessary approvals from the ministry, while some approved gates are being mismanaged as residents fail to adhere to the established guidelines,” he stated.
The Commissioner emphasized that compliance with the government’s policies on gates and barriers is non-negotiable.
Clear Guidelines for Gate Operations
The Lagos State Government requires all gates and barriers on public roads to remain open between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily.
This measure, Osiyemi explained, ensures smooth traffic and interconnectivity across the state.
However, gates can remain closed between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., provided they are opened promptly in emergencies to allow free access for first responders.
To ensure compliance, the government mandates that gates must be manned by security personnel employed by Community Development Associations (CDAs).
“All residents in areas with gates and barriers are encouraged to ensure compliance with these regulations to maintain a safe and accessible transportation network across the state,” Osiyemi urged.
Lekki Axis in the Spotlight
The Lekki axis has seen a significant increase in the installation of unauthorized gates, the ministry revealed.
This trend has been attributed to attempts by some residents to secure their neighborhoods, but Osiyemi stressed that security measures must not come at the expense of public convenience and safety.
“The non-compliance poses significant challenges to traffic flow, emergency response access, and overall public safety,” he noted.
Enforcement Looms for Defaulters
Osiyemi reiterated that residents and CDAs who fail to comply with the guidelines within the seven-day ultimatum will face punitive measures.
“The ministry is taking a firm stance to address this issue,” he declared.
This crackdown, he added, is part of the government’s broader efforts to foster a safe, efficient, and connected transportation network across Lagos State.
Call for Community Action
The Commissioner appealed to residents and CDAs to take the guidelines seriously and work together with the government to enhance public safety.
“Between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., these gates or barriers may remain closed but must be opened promptly in the event of an emergency,” he said.
Osiyemi called on all stakeholders to prioritize adherence to these rules to avoid enforcement actions.
Lagos Stands Firm
As the seven-day deadline begins, Lagosians are left with a clear message: the era of unauthorized gates is over.
With safety, emergency response, and traffic flow at stake, the Lagos State Government has made its position unambiguous.
“The ministry is committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of all residents,” Osiyemi affirmed.
The crackdown on unauthorized gates signals a pivotal moment for community safety and public order in Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital.