It was a harvest of infrastructure in Badagry Division on Wednesday as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated a series of transformative road projects aimed at improving access and unlocking the economic potential of the ancient town.
The Governor commissioned seven newly completed roads spanning a total of 16.4 kilometres across more than eight communities within Badagry Local Government Area and Olorunda Local Council Development Area. The infrastructure projects, which are part of the state’s Urban Regeneration and Intermodal Transportation Strategy, are expected to significantly enhance transportation, ease connectivity, and promote tourism development.
Residents welcomed the Governor with a colourful cultural display, expressing gratitude for the long-awaited upgrades. One of the flagship projects, the Samuel Ekundayo-Toga Road, a major arterial route from the Marina area into the town, was expanded from a single lane to a dual carriageway with proper drainage. The 7km road was constructed in two phases: from Joseph Dosu Junction to Toga Road, and then from Toga intersection to Aradagun-Mosafejo Road, creating a bypass to the Lagos-Badagry Expressway via Limca/Ibereko and the Badagry Roundabouts.
Other roads inaugurated included Aradagun Road, Mosafejo Road, Ilado Road, Imeke Road, and Hospital Road, all interlinked to form a seamless road network within the division.
Speaking at the commissioning, Sanwo-Olu said the projects were part of his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development across Lagos. He noted that the intervention would not only support tourism but also stimulate socio-economic activities and enhance the quality of life in the communities.
“Recognising Badagry’s rich cultural heritage, strategic location, and natural attractions, we deliberately prioritised modern transport infrastructure that not only supports tourism but also stimulates broader socio-economic development,” the Governor said.
He emphasised that the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader vision to leave no community behind, bringing development to the hinterlands and underserved areas of Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu also noted that the upgrade of Hospital Road would improve access to Agbalata Market and key tourist landmarks such as Nigeria’s first storey building, the Agiya Tree Monument, Early Missionary Cemetery, Slave Trade Relics and Museum, and the Eko Theatre.
While assuring residents of other communities including Oko Afo, Ilogbo, Eremi, and Pota that ongoing road projects would be completed, the Governor appealed for continued patience as work progresses.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, highlighted the strategic impact of the new roads on intra-community mobility, flood resilience, and general living standards.
Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, praised the Governor’s leadership, stating that the roads would open new doors of opportunity through enhanced mobility, trade, and tourism.
“This intervention is a testament to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to infrastructural development in every part of Lagos,” Hunpe said.