Lagos commences payment of compensation to Mosafejo traders

LAGOS State government said it has commenced payment of compensation to traders at the Mosafejo Market, reiterating that plans to regenerate Oshodi and transform it into a world class Central Business District (CBD) was on course.

Oshodi, in its present state, currently accommodates about one million pedestrians daily with about 100,000 passengers equally accessing the 13 parks scattered within the area daily, while 76 per cent of the area is dedicated to transport and related activities, causing serious traffic congestion and other environmental issues.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Abiola Anifowose Abiola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the payment of the compensation and redevelopment of Oshodi into a standard transport interchange and a more befitting market were in line with the agreement reached between the state government and the market leaders and traders.

According to Anifowose, who spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by executives of the various associations and sectional leaders as well as the traders, prompt payment of compensation will assist the affected shops owners to get alternative shops and maintain their businesses.

Speaking further, the commissioner said the Oshodi Transport Interchange, when completed would have facilities such as International Bus Terminals, Shopping/Business Malls, Local Bus Interchange, Theme Parks, Car Parks and other facilities that would add to a Modern City Lifestyle.

According to him, the total area of the development of the Oshodi CBD Master Plan, which is about 70,000 square metres will also accommodate shopping malls adjacent to the bus terminals

“The Oshodi Transport Interchange Project has commenced and upon completion, the project would be of immense benefit to all Lagosians, especially major stakeholders, including traders, commuters, transport unions, transport operators as well as shop owners,” he said

He assured that the redevelopment would drive commerce and investment into Oshodi, urging the traders to embrace the plan.

“Just as the case with most urban regeneration in other parts of the world, the extent of what 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,” Anifowosehe said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mrs Yetunde Onabule, said, “Redevelopment of Oshodi will greatly enhance security of lives and properties in the neighbourhood.”

Onabule said that the new Oshodi CBD would not only reduce crime in the area, but would also address the environmental nuisance and confusion often associated with the area.

A representative of the contractors, Messrs Planet Projects Limited, while confirming the progress of work on the interchange, said that about 400 piles representing about 50 per cent of the foundation works had been completed, adding that work on the sky-walk would commence by the end of January 2016.

He assured that the project was on schedule despite the high volume of vehicular and human traffic in Oshodi.