The Lagos State Government has commenced the removal of illegal structures and traders occupying the median of the Lagos–Okokomaiko–Badagry Expressway, saying the area has been earmarked for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this after an inspection of the ongoing enforcement exercise alongside officials of relevant state agencies, including the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce, LAGESC, and LAWMA.
Wahab said the expressway serves as a key gateway into Nigeria from neighbouring West African countries and is of strategic economic importance, stressing that public infrastructure funded with taxpayers’ money must not be taken over by illegal occupants.
He explained that the enforcement exercise would be sustained, with continuous monitoring of the corridor to prevent a return of traders and structures to the area.
According to him, a permanent patrol team will also be deployed to maintain order and protect the integrity of the rail corridor.
The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the corridor is preserved for its intended purpose under the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project.
