Residents and business owners along Ogunrombi Street in the Idimu area of Lagos State have accused road construction workers of demanding payments from motorists while a rehabilitation project remains unfinished.
According to The PUNCH, the allegations emerged during a visit to the community following complaints about the prolonged road construction.
The project, which covers Ogunrombi Street to Orisunmbare, reportedly began in July 2025 with a 12-month completion timeline.
However, residents claimed that the contractor had completed only drainage construction and preliminary roadwork.
Lagos residents complain about project delays
One resident, who requested anonymity, said the project’s slow progress had caused difficulties for motorists, traders and other community members.
The resident alleged that construction workers deliberately obstructed the road and demanded money before allowing vehicles to pass.
“They converted the roadblock into a tollgate, extorting motorists to secure passage,” the resident claimed.
Another resident, Tunde Filani, alleged that workers had previously used construction equipment to block access to the road.
He explained that the obstructions disrupted business activities and prevented residents from moving freely.
Motorcycle operators allege weekly payments
A commercial motorcycle rider also claimed that operators had been forced to make payments to gain access through the affected route.
According to him, motorcycle operators sometimes contributed N10,000 weekly through their unit to secure passage.
Other residents expressed concern about the economic effect of the road closure on businesses operating in the community.
One business manager, Francis Udo, said the delays had affected commercial operations and caused financial losses.
Residents called on the Lagos State Government to investigate the allegations and compel the contractor to complete the rehabilitation project.
They also demanded measures to ensure unrestricted access while construction continues.
The accusations against the workers remain allegations made by residents and have not been independently established.
