Agency Reporter

Concerned Indigenes of Badagry Living in Abuja (CIBLA) have bemoaned the state of roads in the ancient town, describing them as pitiable, while condemning infrastructural and political neglect over the years.

CIBLA leader, Mr Toviho Monday, who made this known at a news conference in Abuja said Badagry people should not be ignored as they are still Nigerians.

Toviho said that the inhabitants and visitors to Badagry had been in severe pains over the neglect of Badagry by both the Federal and State Government.

He said that the historical town with high tourism potentials is now a shadow of itself, stressing that the town has been neglected politically, socio-economically and in terms of Infrastructural development.

According to him, it is no longer news that Lagos-Badagry Expressway has become International embarrassment but what makes it worrisome is that the government is not doing anything to address the menace.

“Instead, the 28km road from Agbara to Badagry roundabout has been proliferated by checkpoints that serve as extortion and harassment points for security agencies.

Read Also: Badagry youths protest against alleged multiple checkpoints on Expressway

“It is laughable seeing commercial motorists being given numbers as receipt for their payments at checkpoints thereby causing hike in transport fare,” he said.

He said that the Lagos-Badagry Expressway is the Nigerian section of the Trans-West African Coastal Highway and was constructed in 1975 by the then Military Government of General Yakub Gowon.

Toviho said that the road had a life span of 35years which expired in 2010, adding that the expressway is now a nightmare.

“One wonders if Badagry is really part of Nigeria with so many inhuman treatment by the government to our people.

He said Nigeria being the giant of Africa with such a major road linking it to other West African States should not be impassable, while road from Seme Border to other West African countries are in good shape

The leader of CIBLA also expressed worry over neglect by the state government on the arrays of abandoned projects in the town without necessary attention by the state government. .

He however appealed to both the federal and state government to as a matter of urgency and public importance ensure the speedy rehabilitation of Lagos-Badagry Expressway for ease movement.

Toviho called on the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu,  to ensure that Badagry indigenes were adequately represented in his cabinet and other viable positions in the state.