MURIC Appeals to Bola Tinubu for Urgent Action on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

The Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, a vital road linking over 200 communities and initially constructed over 40 years ago during the Muritala-Obasanjo regime, has become a perilous route for thousands of commuters. In response to this dire situation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) issued a heartfelt plea to President Bola Tinubu, seeking immediate intervention to address the deplorable condition of this essential highway.

In a joint statement released by the Lagos and Ogun chairmen of the organization, Busari Ademola and Jimoh Alao, it was emphasized that the 81-kilometer federal highway has deteriorated to a point where it poses severe risks to motorists and residents alike.

The statement read, “We are calling on the federal government to revisit the construction of the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. The road, which was first constructed more than 40 years ago by the Muritala-Obasanjo regime, linking over 200 communities, has made life unbearable for thousands of road users.”

Expressing deep concern over the embarrassing state of the expressway, MURIC noted that since the return to democracy in 1999, it remains unclear if this crucial route has received adequate attention from the government. Despite the re-award of the contract for its reconstruction to construction companies in 2018, substantial progress is yet to be seen.

The statement called attention to the harsh reality faced by commuters along the Ijaiye-Alakuko axis of Lagos, through tollgate, Sango, Ifo, Itori, Papalanto, and Obada near Abeokuta, characterized by brutal road conditions, including numerous deep potholes.

In light of these pressing concerns, MURIC urged President Bola Tinubu, along with relevant authorities and agencies, to expedite action towards constructing a viable, motorable, and safe expressway. The organization extended its sympathy to the countless Nigerians who continue to endure the road’s deplorable state.

“We urge them to be hopeful. The relief is inevitable as the governments of Lagos and Ogun will find a lasting solution to the deplorable condition of the expressway without further political bureaucracy,” the statement affirmed.

On August 31, the federal government proposed the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta expressway in collaboration with the Ogun government. During this announcement, Works Minister Dave Umahi assured Governor Dapo Abiodun that the era of bureaucratic delays in road construction had come to an end. He emphasized the importance of state governments being granted the opportunity to engage in public-private partnerships for road construction and management, similar to corporate entities and investors.

In the face of these challenges, MURIC’s plea underscores the urgency of addressing the deteriorating Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and the vital role it plays in the lives of countless Nigerians.

Credit/NAN