The Lagos State Government has cleared traders operating dangerously close to the rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi, following a viral video that highlighted public safety concerns. The removal was executed in collaboration with personnel from the Nigerian Army’s Ikeja Cantonment.
The incident gained attention after a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user @dipoaina1 on December 28 showed traders conducting business just meters from passing trains. The footage showed the hazards of unregulated activities near the Lagos-Ibadan railway corridor and called for fencing along the tracks to prevent similar risks.
Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, confirmed the clearance, emphasizing the government’s commitment to public safety. “Following the viral video, we’ve removed traders from the rail tracks at Bolade, opposite Arena Shopping Complex,” Wahab stated.
This intervention reflects the government’s determination to ensure safety and maintain order around critical infrastructure. However, it also points to the broader need for proactive safety measures, such as better enforcement and protective barriers along rail routes, to prevent recurring issues.
The Lagos-Ibadan Railway, inaugurated in June 2021 and constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is a vital infrastructure project linking Lagos to Ibadan. The railway supports speeds of up to 150 km/h, facilitating efficient passenger travel and cargo logistics.
Sharing tracks with this line is the Lagos Red Line Phase 1, set to commence passenger operations in October 2024. The Red Line spans 27 kilometres and connects key areas in Lagos through eight strategically located stations.
The government’s response to the Bolade incident reinforces the importance of safeguarding these essential projects to ensure their long-term success in transforming Lagos’ transportation landscape.
