Ogun, Lagos partner to free Badagry/Agbara Expressway of illegal structures

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

Ogun State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) has set machinery in motion to get rid of illegal shanties and structures along the Badagry/Agbara Expressway.

Leading a team of Environmental Health Officials and Marshals from Ogun State, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Farouk Akintunde said the move became necessary to free the road which is a boundary between both states of incessant gridlock being experienced by motorists and commuters.

Akintunde who stated that the agencies were determined to avoid any situation that could lead to loss of lives and property, implored traders to obey the directives and abatement notices which had earlier been served by government officials.

The governor’s aide said it is essential to stop all trading activities, particularly under the power line, saying “we should also realise that this axis is an international route and a major highway that connects Nigeria to the Republic of Benin. So, you should desist from unwholesome acts that negate environmental laws.”

On his part, the Second in Command and Deputy Commandant, Intelligent and Supervision LAGESC/KAI, Ganiyu Salami said the teams were concerned about the environmental infractions in the area, pointing out that the illegal shanties and structures had become a hiding spot for miscreants and robbers.

Salami stated that the situation was worrisome as traders have turned the Agbara roundabout in Ogun State which used to be a garden into a marketplace, noting that the display of wares along the roadside had led to traffic gridlock in the axis.

He sought the understanding of stakeholders in the area and assured that the team would sustain its enforcement exercise.