Social critic Scott Iguma has publicly criticized Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, following the alarming deterioration of the recently rehabilitated Lekki-Epe Expressway. The criticism stems from a viral video shared by an Island resident, which exposes severe damage on multiple sections of the major highway—barely six months after it was reopened to motorists.
Viral Footage Exposes Failed Repairs
The footage, widely circulated on social media, shows that substantial portions of the expressway—particularly around the Ikota Shopping Complex axis—have already washed off, leaving behind deep potholes and broken asphalt. The Lagos State Government had previously embarked on a phased rehabilitation of this critical corridor to ease the daily commute for thousands of residents living on the Island. However, the newly surfaced road is now rapidly reverting to its former deplorable state.
Iguma Accuses Ministry of Substandard Work
Reacting to the viral video, Iguma expressed deep disappointment in the state’s transport leadership, accusing the ministry of executing a rushed and substandard job. He alleged that the hurried nature of the repairs has caused the expressway to deteriorate at an alarming speed, endangering motorists and wasting public funds. According to Iguma, the situation reflects negligence and a lack of accountability within the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
The social critic specifically called out Commissioner Osiyemi, demanding an explanation for the rapid decline of the road and urging the government to take immediate remedial action. Iguma emphasized that such failures undermine public trust in infrastructure projects and burden residents with unsafe driving conditions.
Context of the Rehabilitation Project
The Lekki-Epe Expressway is a vital artery connecting Lekki, Ajah, and other rapidly growing communities to mainland Lagos. The rehabilitation project was initiated to address years of neglect and heavy traffic congestion. The state government had announced the completion of the first phase in early 2026, with promises of durable, long-lasting road surfaces. However, the current state of the road raises serious questions about the quality of materials and workmanship employed. Experts note that premature failure of newly paved roads often points to inadequate drainage, poor asphalt composition, or insufficient compaction during construction.
Public Outcry and Demand for Accountability
The viral video has sparked widespread outrage among Lagos residents, many of whom have taken to social media to share their own experiences with the deteriorating road. Commuters report that the potholes are causing traffic snarls and vehicle damage, reminiscent of the road's condition before rehabilitation. Iguma’s call-out has added to the growing pressure on the Lagos State Government to investigate the project and hold contractors accountable. Some residents are calling for an independent audit of the rehabilitation works, while others demand compensation for damages incurred.
Government Response Still Pending
As of press time, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, had not issued a public response to Iguma's criticism or the viral footage. The Ministry of Transportation’s social media channels have remained silent on the issue. Meanwhile, the video continues to circulate, with many users tagging the Lagos State Government accounts and demanding action. The episode underscores recurring challenges in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, where high-profile projects sometimes fail to meet expected durability standards, leading to repeated repairs and wasteful spending.
Iguma concluded his statement by calling for a thorough investigation and implementation of stricter quality control measures in future road projects. He urged the government to prioritize the safety and convenience of citizens over expedient, poorly executed contracts.
