The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has issued a compelling communique calling on the state government to ensure a more equitable distribution of social and infrastructure amenities, highlighting that areas like Alimosho have been conspicuously “left out of the scheme of development.”
The document, the product of the Council’s Congress held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at its Ikeja secretariat, commends the government’s infrastructural strides but presents a stark picture of the challenges facing the majority of Lagosians, particularly those residing on the mainland.
Titled “Communique on the State of Affairs of Lagos State,” the report acknowledges the visible progress made by the government, particularly in areas like the “light-up” project and the improvement of general hospitals. However, it firmly points to a significant developmental imbalance, noting that “much of the infrastructure were concentrated on the island at the expense of the mainland where majority of Lagosians live.”
This central critique forms the bedrock of the union’s appeal for a more inclusive and geographically balanced approach to governance and resource allocation.
The communique delves into critical issues of public safety and security, painting a concerning picture of daily life for residents. It specifically calls on the government to “beef up security” in response to the alarming increase in “one-chance” car robberies, advising citizens to only board buses at official motor parks.
Furthermore, it raises the alarm that pedestrian bridges, built for public safety, have been compromised, as they are no longer safe due to harassment from “area boys” who have turned them into their dens.
A significant point of contention was the alleged misuse of the state’s CCTV infrastructure, which the union claims is being leveraged by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and LASTMA officials to “extort car owners over expired vehicular papers” rather than bolstering the state’s security architecture, an act the union strongly enjoins the government to checkmate.
Beyond infrastructure and security, the NUJ expressed deep concern over social issues, including the “rising cases of drug abuse among the youth.” It charged the state government to investigate alleged distribution of illicit drugs by courier agencies and to empower youths through vocational training as a proactive measure to steer them away from substance abuse.
The union also highlighted public health nuisances like open defecation, urination, and the blockage of drainages by waste, calling for a public awareness campaign to sensitize residents.
In a pointed recommendation, while commending the improvement in public health facilities, the union advised Lagos State officials to lead by example and patronize these local hospitals rather than seeking healthcare abroad.
The communique, drafted by a committee including Adegboyega Oni, Tunde Umar, and Anu Thomas, and signed by Secretary Tunde Olalere, serves as a crucial citizen-led audit, urging the government to recalibrate its focus for the benefit of all Lagosians.
