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Navigating the Chaos: Addressing the Challenges of Lekki’s Busy Road by Dennis Isong
Over the years, Lekki has been blessed with exponential growth and development. However, this has brought about a significant challenge – the congestion and gridlock that plague the area’s main thoroughfare.
The Lekki-Epe Expressway, a crucial artery connecting the Lekki Peninsula to the rest of Lagos, has become a daily nightmare for commuters, grappling with endless traffic jams and frustrating delays.
At the heart of this issue lies a confluence of factors that have contributed to the road’s increasing strain.
The explosive growth in residential and commercial development along the corridor has led to a dramatic increase in the number of vehicles plying the route, far exceeding the road’s original design capacity. Additionally, the lack of efficient public transportation options has forced more people to rely on private cars, further exacerbating the problem.
Compounding the situation is the inadequate infrastructure to accommodate the growing traffic flow.
The Lekki-Epe Expressway, initially constructed as a dual carriageway, has struggled to keep pace with the escalating demand. Bottlenecks, such as the absence of sufficient entry and exit points, as well as the lack of well-planned intersections and interchanges, have created choke points that grind traffic to a halt during peak hours.
The consequences of this situation are far-reaching, impacting both the economic and social fabric of the Lekki community. Businesses in the area have reported significant losses due to the disruption in supply chains and the difficulty in accessing their premises.
Employees face the daunting prospect of spending hours commuting, sacrificing precious time that could be spent with their families or pursuing personal endeavors. The environmental impact is also significant, with idling vehicles contributing to increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
To address these challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient transportation system, a multifaceted approach is required. Firstly, the Lagos State Government must prioritize the expansion and upgrade of the Lekki-Epe Expressway. This would involve the construction of additional lanes, the implementation of well-designed interchanges, and the optimization of entry and exit points.
By increasing the road’s capacity, the flow of traffic can be better managed, reducing the frequency and duration of gridlocks.
Simultaneously, the government should invest in the development of a robust public transportation network. The introduction of a dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) system along the Lekki-Epe Corridor, complemented by a network of feeder routes, would provide a reliable and efficient alternative to private vehicles. This would not only alleviate the burden on the road infrastructure but also promote a more environmentally-friendly mode of transportation.
To encourage the use of public transport, the government should consider implementing a comprehensive parking management strategy. This could include the introduction of paid parking zones, the establishment of park-and-ride facilities, and the enforcement of strict regulations on on-street parking.
By making it less convenient and more costly to use private vehicles, commuters would be incentivized to opt for the more efficient and sustainable public transportation options.
Furthermore, the government should explore the implementation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to better manage the flow of traffic. This could include the installation of electronic toll collection systems, the implementation of advanced traffic signal coordination, and the deployment of real-time traffic monitoring and information dissemination platforms.
By leveraging technology, the efficiency of the road network can be significantly improved, reducing travel times and minimizing the impact of congestion.
In addition to infrastructure and policy interventions, the government should also engage in targeted public awareness campaigns to promote sustainable mobility practices. This could involve educating the public on the benefits of public transportation, carpooling, and the use of non-motorized modes of transport, such as cycling and walking.
By fostering a shift in the public’s mindset, the demand for private vehicle usage can be gradually reduced, leading to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, the Lagos State Government must also collaborate with key stakeholders, including urban planners, transportation experts, and community representatives.
This collaborative approach will help to ensure that the proposed solutions are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the Lekki community, and that they are implemented in a manner that balances the interests of all affected parties.
Moreover, the government should explore innovative financing mechanisms to fund the necessary infrastructure upgrades and public transportation initiatives.
This could include the utilization of public-private partnerships, the introduction of congestion pricing schemes, and the allocation of dedicated funding from the state and federal budgets.
By securing the necessary financial resources, the government can ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the proposed solutions.
As the Lekki community continues to grow and evolve, the issue of road congestion and traffic management will only become more pressing. However, with a comprehensive and strategic approach, the challenges can be transformed into opportunities for the development of a modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation system.
By addressing the root causes of the problem and implementing a holistic set of solutions, the Lekki-Epe Expressway can be transformed into a model of urban mobility, serving as a blueprint for other rapidly growing cities in Nigeria and beyond.
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… As PTD Passes Vote of No Confidence on NUPENG Leaders
The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has levelled serious allegations against the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), accusing it of extortion and excessive levy collections within the downstream petroleum sector.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, ADITOP’s National President, Alhaji Lawal Dan-zaki, strongly dissociated the association from the purported strike action by NUPENG, declaring that ADITOP was originally established to counter what he described as the “excesses” of NUPENG, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), and other groups allegedly collecting illegal levies under NUPENG’s cover.
Dan-zaki alleged that for the past five years, ADITOP had submitted several petitions to top government agencies—including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation—accusing NUPENG of extortion and illegal financial practices.
According to him, NUPENG and its affiliates impose unauthorized levies on petroleum product distributors, including a charge of ₦1 per litre on every product loaded at depots, and an additional ₦1 per litre by marketers, alongside loading fees ranging between ₦80,000 and ₦100,000 per truck.
“This is outright extortion and economic sabotage by NUPENG, PTD, and their affiliated unions and associations,” Dan-zaki stated.
The allegations surfaced just days after the Lagos Zone of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG passed a vote of no confidence on the union’s national leadership. The vote targeted NUPENG National President, Comrade (Prince) Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale, accusing them of “greed, impunity, manipulation, and gross incompetence.”
The internal dissent follows rising tensions over reported resistance by Dangote Refinery and MRS Holdings Limited to unionize their drivers and the rollout of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for nationwide fuel distribution.
Dan-zaki concluded that while NUPENG continues to feed off these alleged illegal levies, it remits no tax revenue to the federal government, further exacerbating challenges in the downstream sector.
The Nigeria Customs Service has appointed Comptroller Wale Adenuga as the new Area Controller for the Seme Command, following the redeployment of Dr. Benedict Oramalugo, who was recently promoted to Assistant Comptroller General.
The development was announced in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman, on Tuesday in Lagos.
Speaking during the official handover, Comptroller Adenuga commended his predecessor for laying a solid foundation and pledged to focus his leadership on trade facilitation, enhanced security collaboration, and improved stakeholder engagement.
“Trade facilitation is my keyword,” he said. “With accurate declarations from stakeholders, cargo clearance can happen quickly. When trade flows smoothly, we boost revenue and reduce smuggling activities.”
Adenuga also assured that the Command would intensify collaboration with key government agencies including the DSS, Police, Immigration, NDLEA, NAFDAC, and the military to strengthen border security and foster a more conducive environment for legitimate trade.
He emphasized the importance of stakeholder relationships, pledging open lines of communication with traditional leaders, youth groups in Badagry, and the media. He also reaffirmed his commitment to discipline and professionalism within the service.
“My doors are open. I will lead by example to ensure that officers stay focused, disciplined, and committed. Together, we will uphold the values of the Nigeria Customs Service and make the Comptroller General, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, proud,” he stated.
Adenuga praised CGC Adewale Adeniyi, who also serves as the President of the World Customs Organisation Council, describing him as an exemplary leader whose standards will guide the Seme Command’s operations.
In his farewell address, Dr. Oramalugo expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve at the Seme border, calling the handover a moment of “mixed emotions”—relief at a successful tenure and sadness at leaving a team he had grown fond of.
He listed some of his key achievements, including:
- Effective suppression of smuggling with major seizures
- Improved revenue collection
- Smoother trade processes for legitimate businesses
- Stronger ties with security and regulatory agencies
Oramalugo also thanked the Customs management and stakeholders for their support and encouraged continued cooperation with the new controller.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has begun an investigation following the discovery of a lifeless body inside a vehicle at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Preliminary reports suggest the deceased may be a 55-year-old construction worker identified as Gaddafi Iwar, although police have not officially confirmed his identity. Sources indicate the vehicle had been parked in the same location for several days before the body was found.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the police confirmed that the body was discovered around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday inside a red Peugeot 406 parked at a construction site within the complex.
“On September 7, 2025, at about 09:00 hours, the FCT Police Command received a distress call reporting the discovery of an unidentified male, suspected to be a labourer, found lifeless at a construction site within the National Assembly Complex,” the statement read.
Officers from the National Assembly Police Division responded to the scene and found the body inside the vehicle, which bore the registration number BWR-577 BF. The body was evacuated to Asokoro General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed it was already in an advanced state of decomposition.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, has directed a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and has instructed that efforts be intensified to identify the deceased.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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