The Lagos State Government has expressed concern over the rising installation of unauthorized gates in some areas, in apparent violation of the state’s policy and regulations on gated streets.
The government has now issued a firm warning and is prepared to sanction offenders.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made the announcement on Monday, issuing a seven-day ultimatum for residents to remove any unauthorized barriers.
Osiyemi stated, “The Ministry of Transportation has observed a surge in the installation of unauthorized gates, particularly in the Lekki axis. Many of these gates were erected without the necessary approvals from the ministry, and some approved gates are being mismanaged as residents fail to adhere to the established guidelines for gated streets in Lagos State.”
He added that such non-compliance creates significant challenges, including hindering traffic flow, limiting emergency response access, and compromising overall public safety.
To address this, Osiyemi reiterated that all gates and barriers installed without prior authorization from the Lagos State Government are illegal and will be removed. He emphasized that unauthorized gates must be dismantled within seven days of the announcement, warning that failure to comply will result in enforcement actions, including removal and penalties in line with existing regulations.
However, for gates and barriers with prior approval, Osiyemi stressed that residents must comply with the following guidelines:
Gates or barriers on public roads must remain fully open for public use from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily to ensure smooth traffic flow and interconnectivity.
All approved gates or barriers must be manned by security personnel engaged by the Community Development Associations (CDAs).
Between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, gates may be closed but must be promptly opened in emergencies to allow free access for first responders.
Osiyemi urged residents and CDAs to comply with these regulations to maintain a safe and efficient transportation network across the state. He warned that failure to adhere would result in fines and further enforcement actions from the state government.
