Commuters and residents along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway have raised concerns over the poor state of pedestrian bridges at Ibafo and Mowe in Ogun State, saying the structures pose serious safety risks.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, connects Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub, to several southwestern states. Residents say the pedestrian bridges, meant to protect people crossing the highway, have suffered from neglect, vandalism, and lack of maintenance over the years.

Many pedestrians are reportedly risking their lives by crossing the highway directly, avoiding the unsafe bridges. Some sections of the bridges are damaged, with broken handrails, missing steps, and corroded metal. Residents warned that accidents could occur at any time if the authorities do not act quickly.

“I use this bridge every day to go to work,” said Mrs. Funke Adegboye, a resident of Ibafo. “But the steps are broken, and the handrails are not strong. Sometimes I see people just crossing the road because it is faster, but it is very dangerous.”

Commuters also expressed frustration over the lack of government response. Mr. Tunde Balogun, who travels the route daily, said, “We have reported these problems many times, but nothing has been done. Every day, we fear an accident may happen.”

Officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Works acknowledged the need for repairs but said funding constraints and bureaucratic delays have slowed maintenance projects. “We are aware of the condition of these bridges,” said a ministry spokesperson. “Plans are ongoing to repair and rehabilitate them, but it will take some time to execute the project fully.”

Road safety advocates have also joined the call for urgent action. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), pedestrian bridges are essential for preventing accidents, especially on high-speed highways like the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The agency has recorded several fatalities and injuries in the areas around Ibafo and Mowe, largely attributed to pedestrians crossing directly instead of using the bridges.

“Pedestrian bridges save lives,” said FRSC spokesperson Adekunle Ajisebutu. “If bridges are not safe, people will avoid them, and accidents will increase. We urge the government to prioritize the repair of these structures.”

Residents have suggested immediate fixes such as repairing broken steps, reinforcing handrails, installing lights for night use, and providing security personnel to monitor the bridges. Some have also called for awareness campaigns to educate pedestrians on the dangers of crossing highways directly.

Experts say the situation reflects a broader challenge in Nigeria, where infrastructure maintenance often lags behind construction. “It is not enough to build pedestrian bridges; they must be regularly maintained,” said Dr. Samuel Oladipo, a civil engineer. “Neglecting them defeats their purpose and endangers the lives of thousands who use them daily.”

For now, residents and commuters continue to navigate the risk every day, hoping that the authorities will act before a major tragedy occurs. The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway remains one of Nigeria’s busiest and most critical roadways, carrying millions of people each week, making pedestrian safety a pressing concern.