Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab and Oluwaseun Oshiyemi Engage Lekki Residents Association in Stakeholders Meeting
In a stakeholders meeting convened by Mr. Oluwaseun Oshiyemi, the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Kakalistiq.com reports that Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, addressed members of the Lekki Residents Association on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, regarding the recent removal of inner street gates in Lekki 1.
Wahab emphasized that the decision to remove the gates was made in the greater interest of all state residents, expressing regret over the necessity of the action. He clarified that all the removed gates are intact and assured residents that they would be returned once an amicable agreement is reached on modalities for re-installing them. 
The commissioner stressed that any agreement must include provisions ensuring that the gates remain open until midnight and have personnel manning them for seamless entry and exit. The decision to remove all gates was motivated by a desire to avoid accusations of selective removal and to establish a unified approach to security and regulation within the Lekki Phase 1 government scheme.
Wahab dismissed the notion that only the Ministry of Transportation had authority over street gate removal, emphasizing the interconnected nature of government ministries. Commissioner Oshiyemi added that the meeting aimed to uphold rules and regulations if streets were to be gated, balancing residents’ security with the constitutional right to free movement.
The Chairman of the Lekki Residents Association, Mr. Yomi Idowu, appealed to the state government to reconsider the decision, citing compliance with the Ministry of Transportation’s directive to keep inner gates open. Idowu highlighted challenges faced by residents, including non-admittance to streets and the erection of gates in response to security concerns following the EndSARS protests.
The engagement aims to foster understanding and collaboration between the government and residents to find a mutually beneficial solution to the issue of inner street gates in Lekki 1.
