Abandoned Road Project Leaves Lagos Residents, Businesses Counting Losses

Motorists, commuters, traders and residents of Adeshina Street, Abule, and Barisiku Street-Onike Road in Yaba, Lagos, are lamenting mounting losses following the abandonment of a road construction project that began in 2022.

Residents alleged that the contractor handling the rehabilitation project deserted the site over funding challenges, leaving the roads in a deplorable condition and disrupting transportation and business activities in the area.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the first phase of the project, which commenced from Abule adjoining Onike-Iwaya in 2022, was abandoned midway. The contractor later moved to another section of the road near Saint Agnes/Domino Junction to begin a second phase before also abandoning that stretch.

Although work was partially completed at the Saint Agnes end, residents said the unfinished sections continue to cause severe hardship, creating the false impression that the entire project has been completed.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP, traders operating in the affected area said patronage had dropped significantly as customers now avoid the roads because of their poor condition.

One of the traders, Mrs. Ajigbede, said the deteriorating state of the roads had crippled commercial activities, particularly during the rainy season.

“I can say I am speaking on behalf of all of us who are tenants because we are facing the same problem. We have lost customers because people hardly come here anymore, especially when it rains. Many now prefer alternative routes around the University of Lagos because this road is badly eroded and often flooded,” she said.

A landlord in the area, Alhaji Rasharkin Shodeinde, also lamented the impact of the abandoned project, saying businesses had suffered enormous losses.

A vulcaniser operating along the corridor, who declined to be named, said the poor condition of the road had drastically reduced the number of motorists visiting his workshop.

“As you can see, you were only able to get here because the rain stopped briefly. The abandoned project has practically turned this place into a forgotten area,” he said.

An artisan in the community said residents had not been informed why the contractor abandoned the project despite the prolonged disruption.

“We don’t know why the contractor abandoned the work since 2022. The roads have become almost inaccessible to both motorists and pedestrians,” he said.

LEADERSHIP further learnt that since rehabilitation began, sections of the roads from Barikisu Iyede Street through Lawani Street to the Abule Oja axis have remained under partial closure.

Residents and business owners have appealed to the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, to remobilise the contractor and ensure the completion of the project.

They warned that prolonged abandonment has worsened road conditions, with parts of the carriageway becoming almost impassable due to erosion and neglect.