Residents and business owners along Alakoso Avenue in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State are calling for immediate government intervention over the worsening condition of a major access road they say has become increasingly dangerous for motorists, commuters and pedestrians.
The affected road, which stretches from Ijesha Express on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway to the Festac Link Road, has deteriorated into a severely damaged route marked by deep potholes, eroded sections and blocked drainage channels. Locals say years of neglect have transformed what was once an important alternative transport corridor into a route many now avoid.
Community Says Years of Neglect Have Taken a Heavy Toll
Residents who spoke to journalists described the road as a long-standing infrastructure challenge that has persisted for more than a decade without comprehensive reconstruction.
According to several community members, the road becomes significantly worse during the rainy season, when floodwater fills damaged sections, making it difficult for vehicles to pass and increasing the risk of accidents.
Many residents argue that repeated appeals to relevant authorities over the years have not resulted in lasting repairs, leaving them to depend on temporary interventions funded by private individuals and businesses operating within the area.
Road Built Decades Ago Faces Modern Traffic Pressure
Historical accounts from residents indicate that Alakoso Avenue was originally developed in the early 1980s during the administration of former Lagos State Governor Late Lateef Jakande as part of infrastructure supporting the Festac and Amuwo-Odofin residential communities.
Years later, an additional connection to the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway reportedly increased the strategic importance of the road by providing motorists with an alternative route during periods of severe traffic congestion caused by heavy tanker movements around Apapa.
Community members believe that the increased volume of heavy-duty vehicles, particularly articulated trucks serving nearby industrial facilities, accelerated the deterioration of a road that had already exceeded its original design lifespan.
Businesses Count Mounting Economic Losses
Business owners operating along the corridor say the poor condition of the road has reduced customer traffic, disrupted logistics and increased transportation costs.
Some companies reportedly struggle to receive deliveries, while others have reduced operations or shut down entirely because of accessibility challenges.
Operators within the industrial corridor noted that the area accommodates warehouses, tank farms and manufacturing businesses that depend heavily on reliable road infrastructure for daily operations.
Residents argue that deteriorating infrastructure is affecting employment opportunities and slowing commercial activity in the surrounding communities.
Transport Operators Face Rising Maintenance Costs
Commercial transport operators say the damaged road is affecting their livelihoods.
Motorcycle and tricycle riders report spending a substantial portion of their daily income repairing vehicles damaged by potholes, uneven surfaces and flooded sections.
Drivers also say passengers increasingly avoid the route because of safety concerns and frequent traffic disruptions caused by stranded heavy-duty vehicles.
Some commuters have reportedly resorted to using pedestrian pathways where sections of the roadway have become nearly impassable.
Residents Fund Temporary Repairs
In the absence of major government reconstruction, local businesses, churches and residents have organized community-funded efforts aimed at keeping the road usable.
These interventions reportedly include:
- Filling large potholes with stones and sand.
- Clearing blocked drainage channels.
- Carrying out emergency maintenance to improve vehicle access.
However, residents acknowledge that these measures provide only short-term relief because the underlying structural damage remains unresolved.
Many believe blocked drainage systems have accelerated the deterioration by allowing water to weaken the road foundation over several years.
Local Government Response
While the chairman of the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government was unavailable for official comment during media enquiries, a source within the council reportedly indicated that the Lagos State Government has been informed of the situation.
According to the source, reconstruction work is expected to commence after the rainy season, with nearby drainage projects already underway in adjoining areas before weather conditions temporarily interrupted construction activities.
No official commencement date has yet been publicly announced.
Why This Story Matters
Road infrastructure remains one of the most significant factors influencing economic productivity in Lagos.
Major access roads connecting residential estates, industrial zones and commercial districts play a critical role in moving people and goods efficiently.
Infrastructure failures such as those reported along Alakoso Avenue can contribute to:
- Higher transportation costs.
- Vehicle damage and increased maintenance expenses.
- Reduced business productivity.
- Slower emergency response times.
- Safety risks during heavy rainfall.
- Declining investment in affected communities.
Residents hope that planned reconstruction will restore mobility, improve business confidence and reduce the daily hardship experienced by thousands who depend on the corridor.
What Happens Next?
Attention will likely focus on whether reconstruction begins after the rainy season as indicated by local government sources.
Residents are expected to continue monitoring government commitments while advocating for permanent rehabilitation rather than temporary palliative measures.
If reconstruction proceeds as anticipated, the project could significantly improve transportation links between Mile 2, Festac, Okota and surrounding communities.
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