By Toochi Ejiofor
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
Driving in Lagos can be confusing for many motorists, especially in areas where one-way roads are poorly marked or not clearly communicated. In Ikeja, the state capital, where there is a high concentration of law enforcement presence, knowing one-way roads is essential for road users.
In many cases, traffic officials have flagged down drivers for violating rules such as driving against traffic. Motorists often attribute this to the lack of visible signs, saying they only realise a road is restricted after being stopped.
To ensure the safety and compliance of motorists, IkejaBird has highlighted two one-way roads in Ikeja.
Adekunle Fajuyi Street in GRA Ikeja is one-way towards the rail crossing into Shogunle and is monitored by a police checkpoint enforcing compliance. However, observations showed that the signage indicating the one-way restriction is relatively small and may not be easily visible to approaching motorists passing the area for the first time.
Similarly, in Alausa, near Ikeja City Mall (ICM), a one-way street has also been established just before the mall.
It has been emphasised by traffic officials that wrong-way driving is a grave threat to lives, often resulting in preventable accidents and fatalities. In Lagos, there are legal consequences for flouting one-way rules.
The Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law (2018) classifies driving in a direction prohibited by traffic signs or ignoring road direction markings, such as one-way roads, as an offence. Motorists who violate road direction signs can face strict penalties, including forfeiture of their vehicle to the state and possible imprisonment of up to one year for a first offence, or up to three years for repeat offences.
These measures are designed to deter drivers from endangering themselves and others. Motorists are therefore encouraged to observe these rules not only to prevent accidents but also to ensure smoother traffic flow in Ikeja.
