Abuse of Lagos pedestrian bridges

• Published date: 09 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

By Samuel Ogunnaike

SIR: Lagos is the most populous city in Africa, housing millions of people from diverse ethnicities and walks of life. It is boastful of several pedestrian bridges, in the belief that the pedestrians, who happen to be the most vulnerable on the motor road, will use them. Many lives have been lost to fatal accidents on the Lagos road, and so sadly, the majority of these victims have been those that should or could have used the pedestrian bridges.

Why would any Lagosian risk the safety of their life? Or are there 'demons' on the bridges, whose presence could send waves of fright to any potential user? While one may not be able to satisfactorily answer these questions, one could proceed to discuss the happenings on the bridges.

First, Lagos bridges are fast becoming a home to beggars. Beggars have successfully found a cool spot for their alms solicitation endeavours. In fairness to these beggars, they do not interfere with the movement of pedestrians, however, their mere presence could be the 'turn off' for some pedestrians since not everyone is naturally wired to encounter such a disturbing sight and still hold their heads up.

Petty traders, on their part, have suddenly become landlords on the bridges. They have their 'shops' on the bridges and do their business there. Why would anyone...