Lagos allocates 180 shops to Alabarago displaced traders

… Eyes 3,000 Shops

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Government on Wednesday presented allocation letters to 180 beneficiaries affected by the redevelopment of Alabarago Market in Ojo Local Government Area.

The letters were handed over by Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Renewal, at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) office in Ikeja GRA. Babatunde said former occupiers of the shops were given first right of refusal and a concession to pay 60 percent as an initial installment, with the balance payable over six months.

He added that the state partnered with financial institutions to redevelop the market under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda. “We are developing 21 markets around Lagos, including Alabarago, Katangwa, Pelewura, and Jankara,” Babatunde said. “Alabarago, the largest cattle market in West Africa, has now been transformed into Alaba Transnational Market.”

The state plans to build 3,000 shops at Alabarago, with 1.2 kilometers of road already constructed to link the market to the main road. Shops on the ground floor are priced at N13 million each, while upper-floor units go for N10 million, subsidized by the government. Those unable to pay 60 percent upfront may opt for a 25 percent initial payment.

Babatunde commended LASBCA, the Urban Renewal Agency, United Bank for Africa, the Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance, and the Accountant-General’s office for supporting the project.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Hussain Lajawa, Chairman of Central Alabarago Market, praised the state government for fulfilling its promise to develop the market to international standards. He urged the government to expedite construction of accessible roads to ease movement in and out of the market.

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