Lagos unveils N22.4b Oshodi regeneration project

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday unveiled the Oshodi regeneration project, which will see to the development of the Oshodi Transport Interchange at a cost of over N22.4 billion ($70 million).

The Oshodi project will lead to the construction of three world-class terminals that will curb the haphazard and indiscriminate parking and picking up of passengers by the roadside by commercial bus drivers.

The governor, who addressed stakeholders at the State House, Ikeja, described Oshodi as the busiest transport interchange in West Africa, with over 5,600 buses spread over 13 different motor parks loading daily.

He stated that Oshodi has over 200,000 passengers boarding per day, about one million pedestrians and that 76 per cent of the area is dedicated to transport and related activities, which had resulted into chaos, illegal markets, high human and vehicular traffic, environmental and sanitation issues and in recent times serious security challenges.

He said: “We have a solution to the Oshodi menace. The Oshodi interchange you see today will be replaced by an iconic, world-class transportation and commercial hub. That is in keeping with the vision of this government to transform the key city centres of the state to reflect the mega city status of Lagos.

“Many of you would have been aware of the recent demolition of illegal structures and markets in this area. This was not to oppress or deny anybody their livelihood but to start the process of regenerating and recreating Oshodi. Our effort to redevelop Oshodi is aimed at improving the physical structure, security and more importantly creating the 24-hour economy, which we promised.

The proposed redevelopment of Oshodi axis will consolidate the 13 city and interstate parks into three multi-storey bus park and terminals situated on the fourth floor.

According to Ambode, the first terminal would be constructed at the Mosafejo Market axis and would be for inter-state transportation, while the second terminal would be erected at the former Owonifari Market, and the third terminal to be built adjacent to NAFDAC and would be for intra-city transport activities.

He said these terminals would have standard facilities, including waiting areas, loading bays, ticketing stands, drivers’ lounge, parking areas, rest rooms, among others, adding that the development would include accessible walkways and pedestrian bridges/sky-walks to link all the three terminals.

Managing Director, Translink Capital Development Limited, Mr. Abiodun Otuola, the developer of the project, disclosed that the commencement date for the project would be June 1, 2016 and that the project would be completed within 13 months, adding that the cost of the project is $70 million.