The Lagos State Government has taken swift action to repair a hazardous open manhole along the busy Ikeja road leading to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The repair was carried out within 24 hours after a viral video raised public concern over the looming danger.
Olufemi Daramola, Special Adviser on Infrastructure to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed on Sunday that state agencies were immediately mobilized overnight to address the issue.
“First, we must commend the citizen who raised the alarm. As soon as it came to our notice, the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, the drainage team, and the General Manager all moved in last night. Work is currently ongoing,” Daramola stated.
Daramola, who visited the site with Tokunbo Ajanaku (General Manager of the LSPWC) and Mahmood Adegbite (Director of Drainage), warned residents against vandalizing or misusing public infrastructure.
He noted that similar cases had been recorded in other parts of Lagos, including vandalized manholes at the Ogudu Bridge and Ogudu Link Bridge.
“Government will continue to respond swiftly, but citizens must also play their part. Road abuse is a serious offence. We encourage Lagosians to ‘see something, say something,’” he added.
How the Outcry Began
The quick intervention followed a civic move by broadcast journalist Deji Badmus, who first drew attention to the danger. On Saturday, Badmus erected a warning billboard inside the manhole to alert motorists and shared a viral video describing it as “a death trap.”
He revealed that the manhole had been left open for nearly three months, leading to multiple accidents, including one he narrowly avoided himself.
“It’s shocking that such a danger was ignored on a road linking both the international and local airports,” Badmus lamented.
By Sunday afternoon, Badmus shared an update showing government officials covering the manhole.
“Less than 24 hours after we raised the alarm, the Lagos State Government moved in to fix it. This is the type of quick response residents expect. However, I hope the same urgency will be extended to other open manholes across Lagos,” he said.
Final Thoughts on Jamflash
This incident highlights the importance of citizen vigilance and government accountability. While the swift response deserves commendation, it also underscores the urgent need for consistent monitoring of public infrastructure to prevent avoidable accidents.
