Amanze Chinonye
The Lagos State Government has commenced the removal of illegal shanties, makeshift shops and market stalls erected along the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as part of efforts to protect public infrastructure and facilitate the ongoing reconstruction of the corridor into a modern 10-lane highway, Prime Business Africa reports.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the commencement of the exercise on Saturday, July 11, 2026 stressing that the expressway’s median was never intended to serve as a marketplace, residential settlement or site for illegal structures.
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According to the governor, the state will not allow unauthorised developments to undermine one of its critical transport infrastructure projects, noting that trading, erecting makeshift shops or residing on the median of a major highway poses significant safety risks and violates existing regulations.
“There is absolutely no reason for anyone to trade, build makeshift shops or live on the median of a major highway. It is unsafe, illegal and unacceptable,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor said the enforcement exercise forms part of the state’s broader commitment to restoring order, protecting public assets and creating a cleaner, safer and more organised urban environment.
He urged residents to embrace discipline and respect public infrastructure, arguing that Lagos can only attain the standards of leading global cities if citizens comply with environmental and planning regulations.
“We often compare Lagos with some of the world’s leading cities and ask why we cannot be like them. The truth is that those cities work because people respect public infrastructure and obey the rules,” he said.
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Sanwo-Olu also condemned indiscriminate waste disposal and the proliferation of illegal structures along highways, describing such practices as obstacles to the state’s vision of a world-class city.
“If we want a cleaner, safer and more organised Lagos, discipline and personal responsibility must become part of our everyday culture. That is how we build a city we can all be proud of,” the governor added.
The demolition exercise is expected to restore the integrity of the highway corridor, enhance road safety and preserve the median for its intended purpose as the Lagos State Government continues the expansion of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into a modern 10-lane transport corridor.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
