Lagos deploys patrol team after rail corridor demolitions

The Lagos State Government has initiated the removal of illegal structures and unauthorized occupants along the critical Lagos–Okokomaiko–Badagry Expressway. This action aims to reclaim and protect the road median, which was specifically designed to accommodate the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project.

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The expansive road median was deliberately constructed by the Lagos State Government to accommodate the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project.

Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, announced that the operation is being conducted by a joint task force comprising the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, and the Lagos Waste Management Authority. Wahab stressed the strategic importance of this corridor as a major gateway into Nigeria from other West African countries, noting that its illegal occupation undermines public infrastructure developed with taxpayer funds.

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As a major gateway into Nigeria from other West African countries, this corridor is of significant economic and strategic importance and reflects the image of our state.

"It is therefore unacceptable for such critical public infrastructure, built with taxpayers’ resources, to be occupied by illegal traders and other unauthorised occupants," Wahab stated. He emphasized that the corridor reflects the image of the state and its economic significance.

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It is therefore unacceptable for such critical public infrastructure, built with taxpayers’ resources, to be occupied by illegal traders and other unauthorised occupants.

To prevent future encroachments, the state government plans to maintain regular enforcement along the corridor. A permanent patrol team will be established to ensure that illegal occupants do not return and to preserve the integrity and intended purpose of this vital infrastructure. The inspection involved senior government officials and environmental enforcement agencies, underscoring the seriousness of the state's commitment to reclaiming the corridor.

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We want to assure Lagosians that the state government will sustain regular monitoring and enforcement along this corridor.