Speeches

Commissioning Of The Improvement Of Traffic Gridlocks Location At Outer Marina, Lagos

Jul 18, 2008 - The event we are here to witness today is another proof of our sincere commitment to make governance touch on the lives of all Lagosians in more ways than one by implementing projects that will alleviate the sufferings of our people; add value to their living and extend their life spans.

Let me remind you that efficient transportation system and traffic management as a catalyst for economic growth and development formed an integral part of our campaign promises to the people of Lagos State as the man-hour wasted on the road and the stress they go through to commute from one end to another on daily was a source of serious concern to us.

On assumption of office therefore, the State Executive Council brainstormed on the various ways to bring immediate relief to road users pending when long term solutions such as functional Rail and Ferry Services will take off. A committee was set up to go round the metropolis and identify areas with notorious traffic gridlock which usually create traffic snarls that often extend or spill over to other roads thereby causing traffic congestion in the entire road network.

This team of experts identified 25 traffic gridlock spots that require infrastructural reengineering to enable them cope with the volume of traffic in their respective areas of location. Part of the recommendations was the provision of a U-turn to link Ahmed Bello Way by Chief of Army Staff Quarters, Ikoyi. This is to reduce the heavy traffic congestion that motorists usually experienced from Outer Marina leading to Ahmadu Bello Way by allowing an access to Ahmadu Bello Way from the front of the officers’ mess.

With the completion of this project, we believe that we have successfully removed the worrisome gridlock which some commuters have often used as license to drive against the flow of traffic. We would therefore not tolerate any act of irresponsible driving and flouting of traffic rules along this axis henceforth.

Apart from this project, the right turn at the descent of the Five Cowries Bridge has also been improved to ensure a smoother turn to accommodate the heavy vehicular movement down the bridge which hitherto had been hampered by the sharp edge at the descent because vehicles had to slow down completely before making a successful turn into the road.

In furtherance of this noble objective, the State government has approved the improvement of the following gridlock locations: the right turn at the descent of Anthony Bridge into Ikorodu Road by Town Planning Way, Ilupeju,; the former Toll Gate in Ikosi-Ketu; Junction improvement along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way; and construction of additional road to the Micheal Otedola Estate underpass.

Equally approved for improvement are the descent of Falomo Bridge by Ozumba Mbadiwe loop; improvement of Maryland under pass (Odo-Iyalaro); expansion of Town Planning way, Ilupeju and the construction of round about at Billings way, Ikeja. These various projects underscore our unflinching commitment to ensure stress free movement of goods and personnel, the volume of which makes Lagos, the economic nerve centre and the honey pot of the Nation and West Africa.

One other electoral promise we are achieving simultaneously through these projects is job creation. I am happy to inform you that these various projects were awarded to indigenous contractors. The decision to award the contracts to tested and trusted indigenous contractors is in furtherance of our resolve to create jobs for our teeming population in all our policy implementation without compromising quality service delivery.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me once again appeal to the consciences of all Lagosians that while the State Government is striving to deliver on her electoral promises and fulfill her own part of the social contract, it behoves members of the public to play their part as well by supporting our various initiatives; paying your taxes regularly, and maintaining law and order.

I will again appeal to all road users that the road is just a resource. Let’s use it well and wisely too. When we obey traffic rules and regulations; when we refrain and desist from driving against the flow of traffic, we will not only be saving ourselves and loved ones from unnecessary tragedy and agony but also that of other resourceful and promising Nigerians that would have been cut down by our acts of recklessness and uncivilized behaviours on the roads.

It is now my pleasure and honour to commission this project to the glory of God and the benefits of all citizens.

Thank you and God bless.

“Eko o ni baje o!”

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor of Lagos State