* Approved gates/barriers to remain open for public use between 5.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. daily
*Must be promptly opened between 10.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m in the event of an emergency to allow free access and exit for first responders
* CDA security personnel to man all approved gates/barriers so they can be opened promptly in time of emergency
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has said that all gates and barriers installed within Lagos metropolis without prior authorisation are illegal and will be removed.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement yesterday (Monday, December 9) in Lagos, said any unauthorised gate or barrier should be dismantled within seven days of the announcement.
He stated that failure to comply with the rules would result in enforcement actions that would include removal and penalties, in line with existing regulations.
Daily Query reports that many residents in different parts of Lagos routinely install gates and erect concrete barriers on their streets for purported security reasons.
However, in most cases, these barriers themselves become barriers to free flow of traffic in the metropolis while the gates impede crime fighting as security agents are unable to freely enter such streets at certain hours of the night because they have been shut to traffic.
Said Osiyemi: “The ministry of transportation has observed a surge in the installation of unauthorised gates, particularly in the Lekki axis.
“Many of these gates were erected without the necessary approvals from the ministry, while some approved gates are being mismanaged as residents fail to adhere to the established guidelines.
“This non-compliance poses significant challenges to traffic flow, emergency response access, and overall public safety.
“As such, the ministry is taking a firm stance to address this issue.”
Osiyemi warned residents that compliance with the Lagos State Government’s policy and regulations for gates and barriers is mandatory, stating that gates or barriers on public roads must remain fully open for public use between 5.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. daily, to ensure interconnectivity and free flow of traffic across the state.
He advised that all approved gates or barriers should be manned by security personnel engaged by the Community Development Associations (CDAs).
“However, between 10.00 p.m. and 5.00 a.m., these gates or barriers may remain closed but must be opened promptly in the event of an emergency to allow free access and exit for first responders,” he said.
Osiyemi urged all residents and CDAs to strictly comply with the laid down guidelines to foster a safe, efficient, and connected transportation network across the state.
According to him, failure to adhere to the guidelines will incur punitive measures.
“All residents in areas with gates and barriers are encouraged to ensure compliance with these regulations to maintain a safe and accessible transportation network across the state.
