By Sodiq Adelakun
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde has reiterated the State Government’s dedication to revamping the Kantagua ICT market into a world-class trading hub.
This commitment was reaffirmed during an inspection of the expansive land designated for relocating the Ikeja Computer Village as part of the state’s urban regeneration initiative.
During the inspection, Dr. Babatunde expressed astonishment at the persistent occupation and unauthorised fee collection amounting to millions of naira from traders and shop owners at the Kantagua market.
He revealed that the contract with the market’s project consultant, Bridgeway Global Project Limited, was terminated over two years ago due to the contractor’s failure to meet agreed-upon terms.
Dr. Babatunde emphasised that it is illegal for him or his representatives to solicit fees or payments under any guise for the market development following the termination of the contract.
He further disclosed that the Urban Development Department within the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, under the leadership of Mrs. Bola Bello, has assumed control of the project until further notice.
Additionally, he directed that all project-related activities must adhere strictly to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Lagos State Building Control Agency.
Speaking on the fate of subscribers who had paid Bridgeway Global Project Limited for the allocation of shops in the market, Babatunde said, “All of you that had paid any money to the project consultant after his contract was terminated, I can assure that Bridgeway Global Project Limited will be made to refund all fees collected illegally to the subscribers after the conduct of proper identification and verification by the State Government to determine the real occupants and how much they paid.”
“From this moment, nobody should pay any kobo to them again as they no longer represent the State Government on this project.
“Director of Urban Development in the Ministry, Mrs. Bola Bello and her team will be the ones to represent the State Government on this market project till further notice and if you have anything to do on this market project, please liaise with her,” he stated.
Dr. Babatunde also directed that eight staff of Bridgeway Global Project Limited found in the market gate collecting tolls and fees be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law.
Addressing a gathering of subscribers and vendors at the Kantagua ICT market, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki, issued a stern warning against environmental violations and the obstruction of roads leading to the market.
Arc. Oki emphasised the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and maintaining clear access routes to ensure the safety and efficiency of operations within the market. Furthermore, he cautioned against making any payments until further notice, stressing the need for clarity and proper procedures in the market’s development process.
In addition to these warnings, Arc. Oki revealed plans to dismantle illegally constructed buildings and structures within certain areas of the market.
Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester, accompanied by fellow committee members, also addressed the gathering. Their presence followed a directive from the Speaker of the State House of Assembly in response to a petition from the Market Association leaders.
Hon. Sylvester assured the attendees that their findings from the fact-finding mission would be promptly relayed to the Speaker for further action. This collaborative approach underscores the government’s responsiveness to the concerns raised by stakeholders and its commitment to transparent decision-making processes in urban development initiatives across Lagos State.