The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to build pedestrian bridges at crucial points along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This call came after a motion was presented by Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe of the All Progressives Party during a plenary session, representing Oluyole Federal Constituency.
In a statement released by Akande-Sadipe’s Media Special Assistant, Olamilekan Olusada, and shared with the press in Abuja on Thursday, the motion emphasized the remarkable expansion of Ibadan, now recognized as the world’s third-largest city based on United Nations data.
The absence of pedestrian bridges along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has raised significant safety concerns, prompting the call for immediate action. Akande-Sadipe urged the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritize the construction of these bridges at strategic points along this vital route.
“The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, traversing highly populated sections of the city, has become an essential corridor for daily activities.
“However, the absence of pedestrian bridges has undervalued the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.
“Alarming rates of fatal accidents are recorded daily as people attempt to cross the highway to access schools, homes, workplaces, and markets,’’ she said.
Expressing deep concern, Akande-Sadipe stressed that despite ongoing safety advocacy, pedestrian bridges have been neglected during the construction of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The highway has transformed into what she terms a ‘death trap’.
She explained that the motion recognised the importance of constructing pedestrian bridges at specific locations.
The locations, she said, include the Technical University, Toll Gate in Ibadan, Félele, Sóka, Sanyo, Bólúwaji, Academy, and Eléruku.
According to Akande-Sadipe, these bridges are as crucial to saving lives, reducing the sufferings of commuters, especially school children, and maintaining the economic viability of these highly populated areas.
She urged the Federal Ministry of Works to allocate funds for the construction of pedestrian bridges in the mentioned locations in the 2024 budget estimates.
She urged the House Committee on Works and Appropriation to ensure strict compliance with these imperative safety measures.
(NAN)
