Residents of Festac Town in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State are demanding urgent action over the worsening condition of 2nd and 7th Avenue Roads, amid concerns that ongoing drainage works have stalled for about two months.
The roads, which serve as major arteries within the community, have reportedly been left with poor drainage, deteriorating surfaces and growing concerns over flooding, despite interventions announced for the area.
Residents say the Lagos State Government commenced drainage construction along both roads in January 2026, but contractors have allegedly not returned to site for about two months.
The development has renewed questions over the pace of infrastructure delivery in an area where residents already face significant mobility challenges.
The situation is particularly troubling given the emergency access implications.
How does an ambulance, fire service vehicle, police patrol or other emergency response get through quickly when major roads serving the community are in such condition?
Recent reporting has also highlighted the wider infrastructure challenges facing Festac, with residents previously raising concerns over deteriorating roads, drainage and the impact of poor infrastructure on emergency response.
According to the figures provided by residents, the Federal Government, through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), made payments of ₦39.8 million and ₦38.8 million on October 9, 2025, for the repair of critically failed sections of 7th Avenue and 2nd Avenue Roads respectively.
That amounts to ₦78.6 million committed to interventions on the two roads.
Yet, residents say the current reality on the ground falls far short of what should be expected from roads earmarked for rehabilitation.
The concerns are not entirely new. In 2025, the Amuwo-Odofin Local Government chairman conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the deplorable 2nd Avenue, 7th Avenue and First Gate road networks ahead of planned rehabilitation.
More recently, reports have indicated that reconstruction and drainage works were being undertaken on sections of 2nd and 7th Avenues under a broader Festac infrastructure programme.
Against this backdrop, residents are demanding answers on the current status of the projects, the work already executed and the reasons for the reported lull in construction activity.
They are calling on the Lagos State Government, Lagos State Public Works Corporation and the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to urgently ensure that contractors return to site and accelerate the drainage works.
They are also demanding that FERMA provide clarity on its intervention, including the scope of the contracts, payments made, work executed and the present status of the projects.
For residents, this is no longer simply about inconvenience.
A road project that is funded but left incomplete can continue to expose communities to flooding, traffic disruption, vehicle damage and potentially dangerous delays during emergencies.
Residents therefore want the authorities to move beyond announcements and funding releases and deliver infrastructure that is functional, safe and accessible.
The question confronting the relevant agencies is straightforward: what has been done with the money committed to these roads, and when will the people of Festac see the promised intervention completed?
