Residents and business owners in Lagos decry slow road rehabilitation, blocked access, and alleged extortion by construction workers.
Residents and business owners along Ogunrombi Street in the Idimu area of Lagos State have expressed deep frustration over the painfully slow pace of a local road rehabilitation project. The initiative involves resurfacing the key route connecting Ogunrombi Street to Orisunmbare within the community.
Awarded by the Lagos State Government with a strict 12-month completion timeline, the infrastructure project has missed its target. Despite the elapsed deadline, the construction remains largely unfinished, causing severe daily hardship for motorists and local enterprises alike, according to information published by punchng.
Locals have reported multiple issues surrounding the project execution, ranging from prolonged traffic blockades to direct demands for cash payments. As frustration mounts, community members are calling on state authorities to urgently intervene and investigate the conduct of the assigned contractors.
Delayed Lagos State Infrastructure Project Frustrates Locals
According to residents, heavy machinery and equipment mobilization began in July 2025 under the supervision of the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. However, progress has stalled significantly since the initial phase of work.
A local resident explained that contractors only managed to scrape the road surface and construct drainage channels during the entire scheduled delivery window. This limited progress has left the community questioning the overall efficiency and dedication of the assigned construction teams.
Idimu Construction Workers Allegedly Extort Motorists
Beyond the severe project delays, residents and commercial transport operators have accused site workers of deliberately obstructing traffic. Witnesses stated that heavy equipment was used to block vital entry and exit points across the neighborhood.
Tunde Filani, a local resident, described how a caterpillar blocked the entire road for a full week before shifting. Commercial motorcycle riders also alleged that transport union officials were forced to pay substantial weekly fees to secure passage for their members.
Business Losses And Substandard Construction Concerns
Francis Udo, manager of a company located along the corridor, stated that his business has operated at a significant loss due to the removal of drive-in access. Delivery trucks can no longer enter the premises, and vehicles parked outside have suffered multiple instances of vandalism.
In addition to access issues, residents raised serious questions regarding the structural integrity of the ongoing works. Some community members alleged that newly constructed drive-ins began collapsing under the weight of light vehicles barely a month after completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the delay in the Idimu road project in Lagos?
The road rehabilitation project from Ogunrombi Street to Orisunmbare experienced severe delays after contractors only managed to scrape the surface and build drainage channels within its 12-month timeline.
Who awarded the Ogunrombi Street road rehabilitation contract?
The contract was awarded by the Lagos State Government and is overseen by the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
What allegations are residents making against the construction workers?
Residents and commercial drivers allege that construction workers deliberately blocked vehicular movement and extorted money from motorists seeking access through the Idimu community.
How has the road construction affected local businesses?
Local businesses like the one managed by Francis Udo have operated at a loss because removed drive-in access prevents company trucks from entering company premises, leading to vehicle vandalism.
