Lagos — Abeokuta Expressway is worrisome, dangerous, says MURIC

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government to revisit the deplorable condition of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, describing it as a death trap and time-consuming route for road users.

MURIC, through its Lagos/Ogun states chairmen, Dr. Busari Jamiu Muhammad Ademola and Alhaji Jimoh Tajudeen Alao noted that the condition of the 81-kilometre Federal Highway is worrisome, dangerous, and inaccessible.

The duo, in a joint statement signed by them, disclosed that the road constructed more than 40 years ago, by the Muritala/Obasanjo led-regime, links over 200 communities and has made life unbearable for its users, especially commuters living in both Lagos and Ogun states.

The statement read in part: “The condition of the expressway is embarrassing, and with the return to democracy since 1999, the citizens of our dear states keep wondering if the route is attracting enough government attention.

“The contract for the reconstruction of the road worth billions of naira was re-awarded in 2018 to both Julius Berger and RCC Construction companies respectively by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, but to date, no significant progress could be seen.”

The statement continued: “From Ijaiye-Alakuko axis of Lagos via tollgate, Sango, Ifo, Itori, Papalanto and Obada near Abeokuta, the experience is brutal and painful with so many deep holes. Therefore, on behalf of the good citizens of our dear states and as a matter of urgency and public interest, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Minister of Works, David Umahi; governors of our beloved states, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; and all the relevant agencies to expedite action in constructing a viable, motorable and secure expressway to save the lives of Nigerians.

“We equally sympathise with thousands of Nigerians who are regular users of the road, despite its unbearable state of dilapidation. We urge them to be hopeful, the relieve is inevitable as the governments of President Tinubu in collaboration with the governments of Lagos and Ogun states will hopefully find a lasting solution to the deplorable condition of the expressway without further bureaucracy.”