Sophia Michaels
The government of Lagos State has given an order for the immediate closure of the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC).
The order was given after a visitor took to social media to raise alarm about the state of the canopy walkway at the facility.
The State Government also ordered immediate and extensive repairs in affected areas.
Director-General of Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Omojola, who, yesterday, Jan. 23, led a team on a visit to the Centre, said that the safety of Lagos residents remained the highest priority of the state government at all times.
However, during the visit, it was found that the faulty canopy walkway had been repaired.
But reacting to the development, the management of Lekki Conservation-Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video making the rounds about an incident that happened on December 16, 2023, of one broken metal brace on the canopy walkway at the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC). Prior to the festive peak period, we had conducted pre-festive maintenance from December 4-13, 2023.
“It is with utmost sense of responsibility that we state that it did not fall on our blind spot. In line with our response protocol, the team of technicians swung into action immediately, closed the canopy walkway to tourists and repaired it that day.”
The Foundation said that its technicians were part of the team that constructed the canopy walkway, adding that they are well trained and have the requisite knowledge to operate and maintain the facility.
It said: “With safety on the canopy walkway assured, we were prepared to host our respected guests, both local and international, to an enjoyable Yuletide that went on without any negative incident on the canopy walkway.
“LCC plays host to many visitors, and the facility is not immune from expected wear and tear. Yet, we have maintained an accident-free reputation on Africa’s longest canopy walk since the official opening of the facility in 2015. This is due to the diligence of our expert technicians and maintenance members of staff, as well as other relevant stakeholders, including our vigilant visitors.”
Also speaking on the issue, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NCF, Oladapo Soneye, noted that it is in line with the foundation’s safety protocol to maintain its facilities periodically, especially after festive seasons like the Yuletide season, and stressed that the Centre was officially closed for routine maintenance since January 16, 2024.
“Kindly bear with us in this period of temporary closure for the purpose of thorough facility maintenance. We shall reopen to the public on February 1, 2024.We remain dedicated to the ideals of conservation of nature, protection of species, restoring and maintaining biodiversity for the present and future generations, and showcasing same to all lovers of nature with safety and serenity assured,” he said.
