Lagos government orders gates on public roads in Lekki to stay open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily

• Lagos State Government directs all gates on public roads to stay open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
• Non-compliance attracts fines, enforcement actions, and a seven-day ultimatum for unauthorised gate removal
• The initiative aims to ensure road connectivity, enhance public safety, and improve transportation management across Lagos

The Lagos State Government has mandated that all approved gates and barriers installed on public roads or streets across the state, particularly in the Lekki axis, must remain open for public access from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

This directive follows observations by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation regarding the proliferation of unauthorised gates and poor management of approved ones, which have disrupted traffic flow, impeded emergency response, and threatened public safety.

In a statement released on December 9, the Ministry emphasised the need to comply with regulations governing Lagos State's gated streets.

Key directives for gated streets

The Ministry noted that many gates in the Lekki area were installed without necessary approvals, while some approved gates are not being operated according to set guidelines. This has created challenges for traffic management, emergency services, and public safety.

The statement highlighted the following rules:

1. Mandatory operational hours: The gates or barriers on public roads must remain open between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM daily to ensure smooth traffic flow and road connectivity.

2. Approved gates only: Gates installed without prior approval from the Ministry of Transportation are deemed illegal and will be removed.

3. Security personnel: Approved gates must be manned by security personnel engaged by Community Development Associations (CDAs) to ensure compliance and enhance security.

While gates may remain closed from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM for security reasons, they must be opened promptly during emergencies to grant unrestricted access to first responders.

Penalties for non-compliance

The Ministry warned that failure to comply with these regulations will attract penalties, including fines and enforcement actions. 

Furthermore, the government has issued a seven-day ultimatum for removing unauthorised gates and barriers statewide. Non-compliance will result in their forceful removal and additional sanctions.

The Ministry also expressed concern that unauthorised gates disrupt community cohesion, hinder emergency response efforts, and obstruct the state’s plan for an interconnected road network. 

The government aims to foster a safer, more organised transportation system by regulating gated streets.

Residents and CDAs in Lekki and across Lagos have been urged to adhere to the guidelines to enhance public safety, improve traffic flow, and maintain accessibility for all road users. The Ministry encouraged residents to report non-compliant gates for swift enforcement action.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring compliance with these regulations and maintaining order on public roads, with enforcement efforts starting in the Lekki axis.

CCTV, transport police, 5 other ways Lagos plans to transform its transport sector

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Lagos State government recently released its transport policy. This comprehensive plan shows the policy's phases: within two years, two to five years, five to 10 years, and up to 15 years.

The transport policies Lagos wants to implement in 2 years include CCTV cameras at key transportation points, Lagos transport police, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), expansion of 'cowry' ticketing to all public transportation modes, and others.