ROFIAT MURAINA
Lagos State Government has taken possession of the land in Katangua market in Abule-Egba area in preparation for the development of an ICT International Market.
The market which hitherto had been in control of a property agent, Bridgeways Global Projects Limited, in contractual agreement with the state government, was said to have been terminated two years ago.
Speaking during a scheduled visit to the market, the Special Adviser to the state governor on electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, said the government came to practically take over the land to stop unauthorised people from defrauding the traders in the market.
According to Babatunde, “The concession agreement that was signed between the Lagos state government and Messrs Bridgeways Global Projects Limited had been terminated two years ago for which we believe that immediately should have vacated as the operator within the market. However, we understand that innocent people continue to make payment to Brigdeways. And we must bring this to a stop.
“Any responsible government has the responsibility of protecting her citizens from being defrauded. Also, just three days ago, we were invited to the State House of Assembly. There has been a petition submitted to the Honourable Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and he has passed this to the Honourable member who is the House Committee Chairman on Physical Planning. He is here together with a number of other members of his Committee, and it was agreed that we visit this place today as part of their oversight function. We are also taking this opportunity as a government to do the needful.
Speaking further on the fate of existing building structures in the market, he said: “You know we have a listening president who we know today as a man of the people. We came here, we canvassed for votes and some of the people who are here voted for us- they are citizens and residents of Lagos and their fundamental human rights must be protected. We also have a governor, Babajide Sanwaolu, who is a kind-hearted and listening governor; he has also swung into action to protect the interest of the people who are here. The people who are here are our brothers, sisters, friends, relations and families. They have paid money to Bridgeways- 100 percent payment for market stalls that should not even cost up to 20 percent of the amount. Bridgeways has collected up to N12 million for markets stalls you can build for N3 million even in today’s Nigeria economy. That is unfair and wrong. These are things that the government wants to look into.
Babatunde disclosed that Executive Council of Lagos State has terminated any relationship with Bridgeways since two years ago, and surprised finding people who claim to be staff of Bridgeways who are still collecting money while we are here.
He said some of the company’s agents and staff have been arrested and taken to the police station, and definitely, prosecution will follow.
On the fate of those who have made payments already, Babatunde said the victims would need to fill out some forms, with their names and other details, and how much they have paid so far with evidence of payment, so that this can be verified.
“Verification of those who are here is very necessary, as this will help us to present verified documents to the state House of Assembly. For easy coordination of the verification exercise, Mrs. Bola Bello who is the Project Manager for Katangua market, has today been chosen to oversee the project. For anybody who has paid money to Bridgeways, we must recognise all of them after verification. We assure you that the interest and right of anybody will not be taken for granted.” he explained.
The site is expected to be an ICT International Market where the Computer Village in Ikeja will move to. Lagos state government has promised that the hub will require a comprehensive development that has modern infrastructures like hotels, residential accommodation to ease transportation need, as it is going to be a major economic hub that will attract people from all over Nigeria and some African countries.
Also speaking during the tour, the General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki, appealed to the traders to be cooperative and law-abiding. He stressed the need for them to make use of the opportunity the government has extended to them.
“You have heard all that our team has told you. It is now you duty to put things in the right perspective. My mandate is that, any building without building approval or without authorization, is my duty to remove them.
“But because Mr. Governor, in his kind heart, has decided that we should look at the whole matter, and put things in the right perspective. And the best way to put things in the right perspective is not only just for you people to write and sign.
“Every association or every wing has the Chairman and Committee. The chairman or committee must be able to attest that you own a shop. We don’t want ghost names. Accountability is key in this project.
“Apart from these instructions, the environment must be clean and vehicles must be able to move in and out with ease. These are the conditions that must be met,” Oki emphasised.
The event had in attendance some others government officials and stakeholders who lent their voices on how the concerned project can be successfully accomplished
