Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the commencement of the removal of illegal shanties, makeshift shops and market stalls erected along the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as part of efforts to restore order and support the ongoing reconstruction of the major transport corridor.
The governor said the enforcement exercise is necessary to ensure the success of the transformation of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into a modern 10-lane highway designed to improve traffic flow, enhance safety and stimulate economic growth.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the median of the expressway is not meant for commercial activities, residential settlements or any form of illegal development. He stressed that allowing trading or habitation on the highway median poses serious safety risks to road users and undermines the state’s urban development objectives.
The governor maintained that the government would not tolerate activities that obstruct public infrastructure or compromise the functionality of critical roads. He noted that the clearance exercise is part of broader efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more organised Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu also urged residents to embrace a culture of discipline and civic responsibility, emphasizing that world-class cities thrive because citizens respect public infrastructure and comply with established laws. He said comparisons between Lagos and leading global cities must be matched with a willingness to protect public assets and uphold environmental standards.
The governor further warned against indiscriminate waste disposal and the construction of illegal structures along highways, describing such practices as obstacles to sustainable urban development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing environmental and physical planning regulations while continuing investments in modern infrastructure. Sanwo-Olu called on residents to support government efforts by obeying the law and taking collective responsibility for maintaining a clean, orderly and resilient Lagos that all citizens can take pride in.
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