Kunle Adelabu
-Says approved gates must comply with regulations
The Ministry of Transportation has warned against illegal and unauthorized installation of street gates and barriers in the state, and also disclosed that some of those that were approved are also not abiding with the regulations.
Issuing the warning in a statement, Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that the non – compliance is creating serious challenges to the traffic and emergency response access.
“The Ministry of Transportation has observed a surge in the installation of unauthorised gates, particularly in the Lekki axis. Many of these gates were erected without the necessary approvals from the Ministry, while some approved gates are being mismanaged as residents fail to adhere to the established guidelines for gated streets in Lagos State”, the statement said.
“This non-compliance poses significant challenges to traffic flow, emergency response access, and overall public safety. As such, the Ministry is taking a firm stance to address this issue and wishes to reiterate the following in line with the Lagos State Government’s policy and regulations:
i. All gates and barriers installed without prior authorisation from the Lagos State Government, are illegal and will be removed.
ii. Any unauthorised gate or barrier must be dismantled within seven (7) days of this announcement. Failure to comply will result in enforcement actions, including removal and penalties, in line with existing regulations.
For gates and barriers with prior approval, compliance with the following guidelines is mandatory:
i. Gates or barriers on public roads or streets must remain fully open for public use between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM daily, to ensure interconnectivity and the free flow of traffic across the State.
ii. All approved gates or barriers must be manned by security personnel engaged by the Community Development Associations (CDAs). However, between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, these gates or barriers may remain closed, but must be opened promptly in the event of an emergency to allow free access and exit for first responders.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, urges residents and CDAs to strictly comply with these guidelines to foster a safe, efficient, and connected transportation network across the State. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will incur punitive measures against non-compliant CDAs, including fines and further enforcement actions from the State Government.
All residents in gated streets or areas with barriers are encouraged to ensure compliance with these regulations to maintain a safe and accessible transportation network across the State.
Meanwhile, Elder Mudashiru Akande Olowu, former Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC), Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, speaking on the directive by the Lagos State Government, charged community developers to adhere strictly with the regulations on street gates and barriers.
“We usually talk to ourselves to regularize and that our people should do all necessary things required to be done, regarding erection of gates and barriers on the streets, because when I was the CDC Chairman, we were given the guidelines.
“It was on a paper that the guidelines were listed and we must not go against the government’s guidelines.
“It is for the benefit of everybody, and we are going to address that and ensure that everybody complies”, he said.
