The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has issued a directive mandating the removal of all unauthorized gates and barriers within the Lagos metropolis.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced the decision in a statement on Monday, stating that gates installed without prior approval from the ministry are deemed illegal and must be dismantled within seven days of the notice.
According to Osiyemi, failure to comply will result in enforcement actions, including removal and penalties, as stipulated by existing regulations.
“The ministry of transportation has observed a surge in the installation of unauthorised gates, particularly in the Lekki axis,” the commissioner said. “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. As such, the ministry is taking a firm stance to address this issue.”
The ministry emphasized that compliance with the Lagos State Government’s policies on gates and barriers is mandatory. Under the guidelines, gates or barriers installed on public roads must remain fully open between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily to ensure interconnectivity and a smooth flow of traffic across the state.
For security purposes, Osiyemi advised that all approved gates or barriers should be manned by security personnel engaged by 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 promptly opened in the event of an emergency to allow free access for first responders,” he added.
The commissioner urged residents and CDAs to adhere strictly to these guidelines, warning that non-compliance would attract punitive measures.
“All residents in areas with gates and barriers are encouraged to ensure compliance with these regulations to maintain a safe and accessible transportation network across the state,” he said.
