LASG Begins Construction of $70m Oshodi Transport Interchange

• Agrees with traders on redevelopment on Mosafejo market

By Gboyega Akinsanmi

The Lagos State Government yesterday said it had finally commenced the construction of $70 million Oshodi Transport Interchange patterned after Victoria Terminus, London.

Also, the state government said it had agreed with market leaders and traders at Mosafejo Market, Oshodi on how to regenerate the area into a standard transport interchange.

These were indicated in a statement the Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mr. Abiola Anifowose issued after a stakeholders’ meeting with traders, market leaders and officials of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area.

The state government had on May 24, formally unveiled the Oshodi Transport Interchange, which it said, would be constructed in partnership with the Planet Project Limited.

But in a statement he signed yesterday, Anifowose said the project “will drive commerce and investment into Oshodi. The traders should embrace the plan “just as the case with most urban regeneration in other parts of the world.”

He explained that what the state government “is doing for the traders may not be immediately appreciated, but upon completion you will realise that the value of your business and your quality of life would have improved tremendously.”

He explained the decision of the state government to redevelop and regenerate Oshodi and its environs, which he said, arose from the need “to transform the areas into a world class Central Business District (CBD).”

Also quoted in the statement, the Sole Administrator of Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Mr. Shamsideen Oloyede, acknowledged that Work “has already commenced on the Oshodi Transport Interchange.”

He added that when completed, the project would have facilities such as international bus terminals, shopping/business malls, local bus interchange, theme parks, car parks and other facilities that will add to a modern city lifestyle.

On Mosafejo market, Oloyede explained that the state government “will assist the affected shops owners to get alternative shops and continue their businesses in the area.”

The sole administrator added that the list of the affected shops owners had already been collated by the local government in collaboration with the with the market association.

He added that all the documentation had been verified for authenticity of the owners and the list forwarded to the ministry, thus commending the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his policy of inclusive governance.

He described the Ambode administration as a government committed “to ameliorating the suffering and pains of the Lagos residents irrespective of background and status.