Lagos to remove unauthorised gates, barriers, threatens enforcement action

…Orders immediate dismantling of illegal barriers to ensure public safety, traffic flow

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to dismantle all unauthorized gates and barriers across the state, with a particular focus on the Lekki area, where the problem has become increasingly pervasive.

The State’s Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, condemned the rising number of such illegal structures and stressed that even approved gates were being mismanaged by residents.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Osiyemi outlined the challenges posed by the unauthorised gates, including obstruction of traffic flow, delays in emergency responses, and threats to overall public safety.

He explained that while some gates were approved by the state government, many were not being properly maintained or operated within the established guidelines.

“The surge in unauthorised gates is a significant concern, even those that were initially approved are being mismanaged, with residents not adhering to the guidelines for gated streets,” Osiyemi stated.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner reaffirmed the state’s policy regarding the installation of gates and barriers, declaring that all gates erected without prior authorisation would be considered illegal and removed.

He further announced that the government would carry out enforcement actions, including penalties, for gates that were not dismantled within seven days.

Osiyemi also reiterated the rules for approved gates and barriers, emphasizing that they must remain fully open between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm to ensure free movement and interconnectivity of roads.

“Approved gates on public roads must be open for public use during these hours to avoid disruption to traffic flow,” he stated.

However, he clarified that while gates may be closed from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am, they must be quickly opened in the event of an emergency to allow first responders unimpeded access.