The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MoT) has announced that all gates and barriers installed in the Lagos metropolis without prior approval are illegal and will be dismantled.
This was revealed via a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi on Monday, December 9.
Osiyemi declared all gates erected without prior government approval illegal, to be removed within seven days of the announcement.
“All gates and barriers installed without prior authorization from the Lagos State Government are illegal and will be removed. Any unauthorized gate or barrier must be dismantled within seven (7) days of this announcement. Failure to comply will result in enforcement actions, including removal and penalties, in line with existing regulations,” Osiyemi said.
He warned that non-compliance would lead to enforcement measures, including removal and fines, in accordance with existing regulations.
The commissioner said, “The Ministry of Transportation has observed a surge in the installation of unauthorised gates, particularly in the Lekki axis.
“Many of these gates were erected without the necessary approvals from the ministry, while some approved gates are being mismanaged as residents fail to adhere to the established guidelines.
“This non-compliance poses significant challenges to traffic flow, emergency response access, and overall public safety.
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“As such, the ministry is taking a firm stance to address this issue.”
Osiyemi stated that adhering to the Lagos State Government’s policy and regulations regarding gates and barriers is compulsory.
He stated that gates or barriers on public roads should remain completely open for public use from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day, to facilitate interconnectivity and smooth traffic flow throughout the state.
Osiyemi also recommended that all authorized gates or barriers be monitored by security personnel hired by the Community Development Associations (CDAs).
Adding that, “Gates or barriers on public roads or streets must remain fully open for public use between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily to ensure interconnectivity and free traffic flow across the State. All approved gates or barriers must be manned by security personnel engaged by the Community Development Associations (CDAs). However, between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., these gates or barriers may remain closed but must be opened promptly in the event of an emergency to allow free access and exit for first responders,” Osiyemi stated.”
Osiyemi called on all residents and CDAs to adhere strictly to the established guidelines in order to promote a safe, efficient and well-connected transportation system throughout the state.
He emphasized that any failure to follow these guidelines would result in penalties. The commissioner urged all residents and CDAs to comply strictly with the guidelines to maintain a safe and efficient transportation network.
“Failure to adhere to these guidelines will incur punitive measures against non-compliant CDAs, including fines and further enforcement actions from the State Government. All residents in gated streets or areas with barriers are encouraged to ensure compliance with these regulations to maintain a safe and accessible transportation network across the state,” he added.
