Officials of the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and military officers have battled over the military’s plan to close the busy Adeniji-Falomo Road.
The clash between the two groups is still happening as of the time of this publication.
According to reports, Mrs. Olukorede Keisha, the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, has requested military aid to enforce the road closure in order to rehabilitate specific sections of the road.
A LASTMA official indicated that it is normal to notify their superiors ahead of time so that the Lagos Ministry of Transportation may communicate the development to the public and issue a formal announcement.
According to Omoyeni Oladele, a LASTMA official, “If the road is closed without prior announcement by the state to residents, motorists will endure severe hardship.”
A top officer at the Lagos Ministry of Works, who asked anonymity to avoid being viewed as anti-Federal Government, told our correspondent that this is not the first time the Federal Controller of Works has “employed the military in carrying out her duties.”
He added, “We are aware of the ongoing deadlock between LASTMA authorities and the Federal Ministry of Works over the renovation of the Adeniji-Falomo Road. The controversy stemmed from an attempt to close a portion of the route without adequate public notice.
“LASTMA officials insist that the road cannot be closed without sufficient notice to the public, while the FMOW, led by the controller, remains adamant about the closure and has engaged military personnel to enforce it.”
The personnel added that the standoff began at midnight, with LASTMA personnel calling for backup from the task force.
He noted, “The situation could have escalated into a physical confrontation if the military personnel had not exercised restraint.”
Attempts to contact the Federal Controller of Works, Mrs. Olukorede Keisha, were futile since she did not return repeated calls or text messages.
When contacted, Wale Musa, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State government of transport, verified the event and stated that the government was trying to rectify 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 said.
