The Lagos State Government said that it has terminated the contract of Bridgeway Global Project Ltd., the former consultant for a market project focusing on the relocation of Ikeja Computer Village.
Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Development, said this during an inspection of the Kotangowa ICT market, hoped to become the new home of Ikeja Computer Village, under the proposed relocation of the nation’s largest technology market.
Babatunde disclosed that the contract with Bridgeway Global Project Ltd., the former consultant for the market project, was terminated over two years ago. As a result, the government has assumed direct control over the project, entrusting it to the Urban Development Department within the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, under the leadership of Mrs. Bola Bello.
Addressing concerns about unauthorised fees allegedly being collected from traders, Babatunde urged market stakeholders to refrain from making any payments to Bridgeway. He assured them that any illicitly-obtained funds would be thoroughly investigated and refunded to the rightful owners.
Ikeja Computer Village: Lagos State on relocation plan to Kotangowa ICT market
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Development, said that the government is committed to developing the Kotangowa ICT market into a world-class marketplace.
According to him, the scheme is part of Lagos State’s ambitious urban regeneration programme, with a particular focus on relocating the Ikeja computer village that represents a bold move aimed at fostering technological advancement and economic growth.
During the inspection of the designated area for the computer village’s relocation, Babatunde highlighted the government’s determination to elevate Kotangowa ICT market to global standards. He also emphasised the need for proactive measures to ensure the successful execution of this pivotal project, which has been long-awaited since the government’s initial announcement regarding the Computer Village’s relocation before the close of 2017.
Addressing concerns about unauthorised fees allegedly being collected from traders, Babatunde urged market stakeholders to refrain from making any payments to Bridgeway. He assured them that any illicitly-obtained funds would be thoroughly investigated and refunded to the rightful owners. Additionally, he stressed the importance of adhering to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Lagos State Building Control Agency to ensure proper project management.
Furthermore, Babatunde appointed Mrs. Bola Bello and her team from the Urban Development Department as the government’s designated representatives for the market project. He urged all stakeholders to liaise with her team for any matters related to the project until further notice.
In support of this initiative, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, urged market traders to maintain cleanliness and uphold environmental standards within the market premises. He emphasized the importance of keeping access roads clear to prevent traffic congestion and advised against making any payments related to the market until further instructions are provided.
Moreover, Mr. Ogunkelu Sylvester, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, affirmed the legislature’s commitment to addressing concerns raised by the market association. He assured stakeholders that the committee would thoroughly investigate these issues and report its findings to the speaker for further deliberation and action.
The Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, who led other members of the State House of Assembly on a fact-finding mission said they are in the market on the directives of the Speaker in reaction to a petition written by the leaders of the market association. The findings of the lawmakers, he said, will be delivered to the speaker for further action.
