Federal and Lagos State governments have urged residents of Ibeju-Lekki Local Council to cooperate with the contractor handling the reconstruction of Eleko road, with a view to bringing development to the area.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos.
He said the project is significant, considering the fast pace of development in the Ibeju-Lekki corridor.

Olumide said the successful execution of the project would enhance the standard of living of the people through attainment of a more organised, orderly, and functional environment.

He urged the residents to endure challenges caused by the project, including the removal of structures encroaching on the right of way, adding there is provision to compensate owners of affected property.

On his part, Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, said the approved right of way for the road is 46 metres on either side, and that the road, covering the stretch from Dangote Fertilizer Plant to Eleko Junction, has been designed to feature rail lines and also accommodate envisaged traffic in the area.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluwole Sotire, explained that marking of affected structures on the approved right of way has gone beyond 50 per cent and that the Lagos Lands Bureau would commence enumeration of affected owners for compensation, immediately after the marking.

Stakeholders from Ibeju-Lekki Local Council and Lekki Local Council Development Area acknowledged benefits of the road while they raised concerns about the extent of the right of way and modalities for compensation, among others.

Among the stakeholders were the husband of Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Bode Oyedele; a former Commissioner for Local Government, Muslim Folami; Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Ibeju-Lekki Constituency II, Oladele Ajayi; and Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Council, Sesan Olowa.