A lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Sesi Whingan, on the Platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos on Tuesday appealed to security agencies to reduce the multiple checkpoints on the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

Mr Whingan made the appeal during an oversight visit of the House Committee on Customs and Excise to the Seme Command in Badagry.

According to him, the persistent and excessive checkpoints mounted along the expressway and harassment faced by motorists and tourists are sabotaging efforts to grow the tourism sector in the historic coastal town.

Mr Whingan criticised the overbearing presence of security agencies on the route.

He said, “Imagine tourists, who came to relax and explore Badagry being subjected to harassment at multiple illegal checkpoints. There have been instances where some vehicles used by tourists were impounded for years. These traumatic encounters are driving people away from Badagry. No one will want to repeat such an experience.”

The lawmaker also condemned the seizure of food items from local markets by some security agencies, describing it as counterproductive in a time of nationwide economic distress.

“With the current inflation and growing food insecurity, it is both insensitive and unacceptable for food items to be confiscated from local traders. It only compounds the suffering of our people,” he said.

The Controller, Seme Area Command, Dr Benedict Oramalugo, acknowledged the concern and assured that the command had been working to reduce checkpoints.

“The customs service has reduced its presence along the expressway but we remain equally concerned about the proliferation of checkpoints on the same route. I urge this committee to also call the attention of other sister security agencies to this matter,” Mr Oramalugo said.

(NAN)