For several years, residents in various areas of Lagos State have endured significant distress and danger due to the severely dilapidated condition of local roads and the resulting failure of drainage systems. This situation has led to chronic flooding, displacing many residents and turning once-stable communities into environmental hazards.
The situation is particularly acute in Oyadiran Estate in the Sabo area of Yaba, where the neighborhood has devolved into a nightmare of fractured roads and perpetually clogged drainages. The streets, once smooth, are now characterized by a continuous stretch of deep gullies and craters filled with stagnant, muddy water, making vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement hazardous. The problem is compounded during rainfall. Blocked drainage channels, overflowing with debris and plastic waste, quickly inundate the area, causing torrents of water to cascade into homes and businesses, submerging ground-floor properties within minutes. Kunle Adebayo described the daily transit as “tortuous” and a “moment of agony,” noting he constantly incurs car repair costs due to the poor roads. He criticized local government officials for their “failed promises,” observing that politicians only show up with assurances during election periods. Mike Ojo, a small business owner, lamented suffering significant inventory losses due to floodwaters sweeping goods away, a direct consequence of the completely blocked drainage system. Ismail Adewale described the recurring flooding as a “nightmare,” citing instances where vehicles, including commercial Keke Napep tricycles, break down, making the simple act of taking children to school a struggle. He expressed frustration with “insensitive leaders” who appear indifferent to the community’s suffering. The neglect has caused health concerns to mount, as pools of stagnant water serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria outbreaks. The lack of proper street lighting further turns the damaged roads into dangerous traps for unwary motorists at night. Mr. Tayo Ogunyeye, Chairman of the Oyadiran Estate Residents Association, stated that the issue has persisted despite numerous appeals to government agencies. He warned that the situation is a “public health emergency waiting to explode” and argued that solving the problem requires the redesign and reconstruction of the entire drainage system, as the estate’s current plight threatens the very existence of the community. The Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Bayo Adefuye, declined to discuss the matter over the phone.
A similar, and possibly worse, situation prevails in the Amuwo Odofin area, particularly in Festac, where key major roads, including First, Second, Sixth, and Seventh Avenues, have collapsed and are virtually impassable. Outside of Festac, the Alakoso Road connecting Apple Junction with Ijesha has completely failed, making it accessible only to articulated heavy-duty vehicles. Residents of Festac Extension Estate also contend with a severe mosquito problem, as open spaces intended for recreation are persistently flooded, creating perfect breeding conditions. Marcellus Onah, a lawyer and resident, condemned the government’s indifference to the people’s predicament. While noting that some drainage reconstruction work began last year, he lamented that the project has been unacceptably delayed, with less than half the work completed. He speculated that the delay might be intentional, perhaps to use the project as a campaign tool for the 2027 elections. He appealed to both state and local governments to expedite the completion of the drainages to mitigate environmental issues and mosquito attacks. Kolade Ademola, a long-time Festac resident, described the road conditions as “pathetic and unfortunate,” expressing disappointment with the current caliber of leadership. He accused successive leaders of embezzling public funds meant for maintenance and abandoning major roads. While acknowledging that the new local government chairman has initiated some repairs, he urged the official not to follow the path of predecessors and to deliver good governance, particularly by focusing on major repairs during the dry season.
About The Author
