Lagos Issues 7-Day Ultimatum To Residents To Dismantle Unauthorised Gates

The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Transportation, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to residents and Community Development Associations (CDAs) to dismantle all unauthorised gates and barriers installed on public streets.

This directive is in response to the proliferation of unapproved gates, particularly in the Lekki axis, which have been identified as a hindrance to traffic flow, emergency response, and public safety.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement on Monday, expressed dismay over the growing disregard for established guidelines governing gated streets.

He emphasized that gates erected without prior approval from the state government are illegal and must be removed immediately.

“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.

For gates and barriers that have been approved, the commissioner reminded CDAs of their obligation to adhere strictly to operational guidelines.

These include keeping the gates fully open for public use from 5:00a.m to 10:00p.m daily and ensuring prompt access during emergencies between 10:00p.m and 5:00a.m.

“Gates or barriers on public roads or streets must remain fully open for public use between 5:00a.m and 10:00p.m daily, to ensure interconnectivity and the free flow of traffic across the State.

“All approved gates or barriers must be manned by security personnel engaged by the Community Development Associations (CDAs). However, between 10:00p.m and 5:00a.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,” the commissioner stated.

Osiyemi urged all residents and CDAs to strictly comply with these guidelines to foster a safe, efficient, and connected transportation network across the state.

“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.

Lagos Issues 7-Day Ultimatum To Residents To Dismantle Unauthorised Gates is first published on The Whistler Newspaper