Lagos Residents Risk Safety by Ignoring Pedestrian Bridges

In Lagos, despite the availability of pedestrian bridges designed for safe crossing over busy highways, many residents are choosing to cross the roads directly, thereby risking their safety. Observations made around Oshodi, Isolo, 7/8 Bus Stop, and the NAHCO area on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road revealed that these bridges were largely unused.

Residents cited the distance of the bridges from their desired crossing points and the difficulty of climbing stairs as reasons for their choices. Mariam Okoro, a resident of Isolo, noted that many prefer to cross quickly rather than use the bridges provided for their safety.

A member of the Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline mentioned that inadequate security at night deters residents from using the bridges, as no security guards are present to prevent theft. Although KAI officials occasionally arrest pedestrians for not using the bridges, enforcement has not effectively curbed the practice.

Issues such as poor lighting and cleanliness of the bridges were also raised by users.