The Lagos State Government has swiftly addressed a hazardous open manhole on the Ikeja axis leading to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, following a public outcry triggered by a viral video. The repairs were carried out less than 24 hours after the issue was raised, demonstrating the government’s prompt response to safety concerns.
According to Olufemi Daramola, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Infrastructure, relevant agencies were mobilized overnight to rectify the situation. Daramola visited the site on Sunday and confirmed that the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, drainage team, and other officials worked together to address the safety risk. “We commend the citizen who raised the alarm, and as soon as it was brought to our attention, we took immediate action,” he said.
The open manhole had been a cause for concern, with broadcast journalist Deji Badmus narrowly avoiding an accident at the site. Badmus had erected a warning billboard inside the manhole on Saturday to draw attention to the hazard, which he described as “a death trap.” He reported that several cars had already run into the open manhole, which had been left uncovered for about three months.
The Lagos State Government’s swift intervention followed Badmus’s civic action, with officials covering the manhole by Sunday afternoon. Daramola cautioned residents against road vandalism and misuse of public infrastructure, citing recent instances of manhole vandalism at the Ogudu Bridge and Ogudu Link Bridge. He emphasized the importance of citizens reporting such incidents, saying “while government will continue to respond swiftly, we must emphasize that road abuse is a serious offence.”
The government’s prompt response to the open manhole issue highlights the importance of public awareness and civic engagement in maintaining public infrastructure. As Badmus noted, there are numerous other open manholes scattered across the city, and he hopes that the authorities will extend the same urgency to addressing these hazards. The Lagos State Government’s actions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring public safety and responding to citizen concerns.
