Politics
RESIDENTS of Lekki–Ajah in Lagos State have decried illegal tolls mounted by touts on access roads, calling for urgent action to protect commuters.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Tuesday, the residents said the situation was worsening, particularly on inner roads and diversions caused by road rehabilitation.
NAN reports that the Lekki–Ajah axis has witnessed increased traffic disruptions in recent months due to road rehabilitation.
A situation residents say is being exploited by miscreants to carry out illegal activities.
Mr Tunde Adebayo, a resident of Lekki Phase II, said the touts had turned some access points into extortion spots, often erecting makeshift barricades at intervals where motorists attempt to make U-turns.
“They position themselves strategically at every turning point.
“Once you slow down, they surround your car, demanding money. If you hesitate, they become aggressive,” he said.
Adebayo said the problem had escalated from harassment to intimidation and vandalism by some touts.
“There was a recent incident involving a popular musician, Mavo, whose car windscreen was smashed with a stone after he refused to comply.
“That tells you how emboldened they have become,” he said.
Another resident, Mrs Ifunanya Okeke, who lives in Ajah, expressed concern over the dangers faced by motorists, especially at night.
“Driving at night has become very risky. These boys operate in groups, and the roads are poorly lit due to construction.
“You don’t know who is who, and they can easily rob you or damage your vehicle,” she said.
Okeke said the touts often exploited road diversions to set up checkpoints, claiming to control traffic.
“They act like they have authority. Some even direct traffic while collecting money.
“There’s this sense of entitlement, like the road belongs to them,” she added.
Mr Sadiq Lawal, a commercial driver plying the Lekki–Ajah route, described the development as both an economic and security burden.
“Imagine paying unofficial fees multiple times on a short stretch. It affects transport fares and increases tension on the road.
“Some drivers argue with them, and it can quickly turn violent,” he said.
Lawal explained that in some cases, touts resort to petty theft when motorists resist.
“I’ve seen situations where they snatch side mirrors or attempt to open doors if a driver refuses to pay.
“It’s no longer just about tolls; it’s becoming criminal,” he added.
The residents called for a coordinated response involving the Nigeria Police Force and local government task forces to dismantle the illegal checkpoints and maintain a sustained presence in the area.
They noted that without decisive action, the situation could further deteriorate, undermining public safety and confidence in the state’s traffic and security management systems.(NAN)
A.I
May 5, 2026
Tags: RESIDENTS of Lekki–Ajah