Officials of the Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LATSMA) and soldiers have reportedly clashed over attempt by the military to close the busy Adeniji to Falomo road.
Reports said that the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Keisha, had enlisted the military’s assistance to enforce the road closure for the purpose of rehabilitating certain sections of the road.
A LASTMA official stated that it is customary for their superiors to be informed in advance so that the Lagos Ministry of Transportation can communicate the development to the public and make a formal announcement.
A LASTMA official, Omoyeni Oladele, reportedly said: “If the road is closed without prior announcement to residents, motorists will face severe hardship.”
A senior officer at the Lagos Ministry of Works, who requested anonymity reportedly argued that this is not the first time the Federal Controller of Works has “enlisted the military in carrying out her duties.”
He further stated: “We are aware of the current standoff between LASTMA officials and the Federal Ministry of Works regarding the rehabilitation of the Adeniji to Falomo road. The conflict arose from the attempt to close a section of the road without proper notification to the public.
“LASTMA officials insist that the road cannot be closed without sufficient notice to the public, while the FMOW, led by the controller, remains adamant about the closure and has engaged military personnel to enforce it.”
The official added that the standoff began at midnight, with LASTMA personnel calling for backup from the task force.
He noted: “The situation could have escalated into a physical confrontation if the military personnel had not exercised restraint.”
The Federal Controller of Works, Mrs. Keisha, could not be reached at the timeof filing this report.
However, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Wale Musa, confirmed the incident and assured that the ministry was working to resolve the issue.
“The General Manager of LASTMA has informed me of the situation. The Honourable Commissioner, the Special Adviser, and I are working to resolve the matter amicably,” Musa said.