FG begins 24-hour surveillance on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The Federal Government says it has commenced 24-hour surveillance on sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where major reconstruction work is currently ongoing.

It said the move was aimed at ensuring an effective traffic control during the reconstruction.

The Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, said this on Monday at the Sagamu Interchange during the inauguration of the surveillance.

Onolememen, represented by the Director, Federal Ministry of Works, South-West, Mr. Kabir Abdulahi, said, “The surveillance is necessary as there will be major diversions of traffic because construction work has fully commenced on the road.”

He said the surveillance team was established “to ensure a free flow of traffic and the safety of the people working on the road as well to ensure the safety and security of the road users.”

The minister said that the whole exercise was to decongest the construction area and ensure that no truck or tanker parked within the right of way.

He added that it would ensure that vehicles followed dedicated lanes with prompt removal of those that would break down on the road and would be towed to a dedicated trailer park.

According to him, commensurate fines will be handed down to errant motorists, while the surveillance exercise is also expected to make a  provision for weighbridges.

An Assistant Commissioner of Police and Sagamu Area Commander, Mr. Lanre Bankole, urged road users to work with the Federal Government to ensure a successful reconstruction of the road, adding that motorists should shun activities that could hamper the efforts of security agents.

He urged heavy duty vehicle drivers to always keep to the right side of the road, while others should keep to the left during the diversion.

The Ogun State Chairman, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, Mr. Biodun Olaleye, said members of the association would give their support to ensure the success of the programme.