A serious clash has erupted between officials from the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and military personnel over the planned closure of the Adeniji to Falomo Road in Lagos. The road is a crucial route for many commuters in the city.
The confrontation arose after the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Keisha, sought military support to enforce the road closure. This measure is intended to facilitate the rehabilitation of certain segments of the road. However, the lack of prior notice to the public has sparked significant tension.
A LASTMA official, Omoyeni Oladele, expressed concern about the sudden closure, stating, “If the road is closed without prior announcement by the state to residents, motorists will endure severe hardship.”
LASTMA typically requires advance notice so that the Lagos Ministry of Transportation can inform the public and make appropriate announcements. Without this notification, officials argue that residents and drivers will face unnecessary difficulties.
A senior officer at the Lagos Ministry of Works, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that this issue is not unprecedented. “We are aware of the current standoff between LASTMA officials and the Federal Ministry of Works regarding the rehabilitation of the Adeniji to Falomo Road.
The conflict arose from the attempt to close a section of the road without proper notification to the public,” the officer said. This situation reportedly began at midnight, leading to LASTMA calling for additional support from the task force.
The officer noted, “The situation could have escalated into a physical confrontation if the military personnel had not exercised restraint.”
In response to the ongoing issue, Wale Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, confirmed the conflict and assured that efforts are underway to address it.
“The General Manager of LASTMA has informed me of the situation. The Honourable Commissioner, the Special Adviser, and I are working to resolve the matter amicably,” Musa stated.
