Lagos clears illegal structures and market stalls on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway as work continues on the planned 10-lane highway

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the commencement of the removal of illegal shanties, makeshift shops and market stalls erected along the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, describing the exercise as a critical step towards protecting public infrastructure and advancing the reconstruction of the strategic highway.

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The governor disclosed the development on Saturday, saying the enforcement exercise forms part of the state’s plan to transform the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into a modern 10-lane highway capable of easing traffic congestion and improving transportation across Lagos.

Speaking on the Sanwo-Olu illegal shanty removal exercise, the governor said the state would not permit the median of one of its busiest transport corridors to be converted into markets, residential settlements or sites for unauthorised structures.

“We have begun clearing the illegal shanties and market stalls built along the median of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“As we rebuild the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into a modern 10-lane highway, we cannot allow its median to become a market, a settlement or a site for illegal structures.”

The governor described the practice as both unlawful and dangerous, warning that trading or living on the median of a major highway poses serious risks to lives and property.

“There is absolutely no reason for anyone to trade, build makeshift shops or live on the median of a major highway. It is unsafe, illegal and unacceptable,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu urged residents to demonstrate greater civic responsibility, arguing that Lagos can only attain the standards of leading global cities when citizens respect public infrastructure and comply with environmental and urban planning regulations.

According to him, indiscriminate waste disposal and the proliferation of illegal structures continue to undermine the state’s efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more orderly urban environment.

“We often compare Lagos with some of the world’s leading cities and ask why we cannot be like them. The truth is that those cities work because people respect public infrastructure and obey the rules,” the governor said.

He maintained that discipline, respect for public assets and adherence to the law are essential to building a world-class city.

“If we want a cleaner, safer and more organised Lagos, discipline and personal responsibility must become part of our everyday culture. That is how we build a city we can all be proud of,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

The demolition exercise forms part of the Lagos State Government’s broader urban renewal and environmental enforcement programme aimed at improving road safety, restoring order and protecting critical infrastructure across the state.

The Lagos-Badagry Expressway remains one of Nigeria’s most important transport corridors, linking Lagos with neighbouring communities and serving as a major gateway for commercial activities.

Successive administrations have prioritised its expansion to improve mobility, reduce travel time and support economic growth.

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In recent years, the state government has also intensified enforcement against illegal structures, roadside trading and environmental violations as part of wider efforts to modernise the city and improve public safety.