Lagos State begins Payment Of Compensation To Oshodi Traders

Lagos State Government, yesterday, has made it known that it has commenced payment of compensation to traders affected by the multi-billion Naira Oshodi Transport Interchange Project.

New Telegraph reports that the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Wasiu Anifowoshe, a town planner, who disclosed this in a statement, said that the payment was made during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by executives of the various associations and sectional leaders as well as the traders, and senior government officials in the state.

Anifowoshe said: “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.”

The Commissioner added that the redevelopment will 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,” he said.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule said that the strong need to redevelop the area arose consequent upon the state government’s commencement of the urban regeneration of Oshodi, which will see the area transformed into a world class Central Business District (CB), New Telegraph reports.

According to her, “Redevelopment of Oshodi will greatly enhance security of lives and property in the neighbourhood, the new Oshodi CBD would not only reduce crime in the area, but also address the environmental nuisance and confusion often associated with the area.

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

“This project would see the total rebranding of the Old Oshodi, thus turning Lagos into a befitting and an iconic international gateway to the rest of the world. It would also ensure an organised transport system that will aid free flowing traffic.”

Source: New Telegraph