TBS new terminus to create more jobs, Lagos assures NURTW, others

Lagos State government has assured members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and other stakeholders that the proposed remodeling exercise of the bus terminus at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, would create more job opportunities for Lagosians.

Contrary to claims in some quarters, the government said the exercise was in the best interest of all; to transform the axis into a world-class transit hub that would accommodate all concerned.

Commissioner for Transportation in the State, Dayo Mobereola, at a stakeholders’ forum, said the new ultramodern terminus would accommodate the state-own Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses, their commercial counterparts, known as Danfo and the Taxi operators.

Mobereola explained that the new terminus was part of infrastructural development projects ahead of the 50 years anniversary of Lagos State coming up next year and would serve as a pilot project for all other bus terminal statewide, ahead of the 24-hour BRT operation in Lagos metropolis.

He added that, the state government was not unaware of stakeholders’ concerns and rumour that the state government was going to takeover the popular terminus from the local council and the road transport workers union.

The commissioner said: “We have therefore invited all of you here to tell you our plan. State government do not intend to takeover the responsibility of the local council, but here to work in collaboration with you on the ultra modern terminus. It will be managed by the council, creating employment opportunities for all of you around here,” he said.

Mobereola urged all parties concerned to cooperate with the construction workers through the construction exercise scheduled to last for nine months beginning from this week.

The project, according to technical details, would be a modern bus shelter for all kinds of weather and built to last for 40 years. It would accommodate various service sessions, including modern toilets and kiosks for traders.

State chairman of the NURTW, Tajudeen Agbede, commended the State government’s initiative and pledged to support the project in line with designated features.

Special Adviser to the governor on transportation matters, Anofiu Elegushi, assured the residents of speedy completion of the project, as he appealed to concerned stakeholders to bear with the inconveniences that would go with the construction exercise.