Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, the distinguished member of the House of Representatives representing the Badagry Federal Constituency, has taken a decisive step in addressing the pressing issue of illegal checkpoints and extortion along the Agbara Badagry-Seme Highway.
In a motion presented today on the floor of the House, titled “Unlawful Road Blockage, Extortion, and Harassment by Security Personnel on Lagos Agbara Badagry-Seme Highway,” Hon. Sesi called for immediate action by the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, military, and other security agencies operating along this vital highway.
The motion underscores the urgency of restoring order and safety on the highway, as reports have shown that security personnel have been subjecting innocent citizens to distressing ordeals while attempting to extort their hard-earned money. Shockingly, there have been instances of assault, harassment, and, in some tragic cases, loss of life among the residents of Badagry. Such incidents risk escalating tensions between law enforcement agencies and the local populace.
In his motion, Hon. Sesi earnestly requested the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance security on the Lagos Agbara Badagry-Seme Highway.
The proposed actions include:
(i) Call for the strict enforcement of existing laws, circulars, and guidelines governing the establishment of checkpoints to eliminate illegal roadblocks and prevent the unlawful setup of new ones.
(ii) Charging the Customs and Excise and Armed Forces Committees with the task of investigating the root causes of illegal checkpoints in border communities and devising effective solutions to curb the unlawful activities of security agencies.
(iii) Urging the Committee on Legislative Implementation to ensure the comprehensive implementation of this motion’s provisions.
The residents of Badagry Federal Constituency have long voiced their grievances regarding the proliferation of illegal checkpoints and the extortion carried out by security agencies in the area. A report published in Punch Newspapers on November 24, 2022, revealed the presence of over 100 roadblocks on the Lagos Agbara-Badagry-Seme Expressway, spanning approximately 46.2 kilometers. Originally established to combat smuggling and enhance security around the Seme border, these checkpoints have unfortunately deviated from their intended purpose and now serve as venues for unwarranted military harassment and extortion of innocent citizens and tourists.
Hon. Sesi emphasized that if this issue persists, it could deter tourists from visiting the region, known for its scenic beauty and cultural richness, and discourage potential investors interested in the area’s economic potential.
