The Lagos State Government has said it will commence the reconstruction and expansion of roads within Alaba International Market, Ojo, after completing ongoing drainage projects in the area.
Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat gave the assurance on Friday at the unveiling of the New Face of International Market Electronics Association at the Colonade Hotel, Ikoyi.
Hamzat said the decision to prioritise drainage before road reconstruction was deliberate, explaining that effective flood control was necessary to protect the durability of newly constructed roads.
According to him, substantial progress has been recorded on the drainage projects aimed at improving water flow and tackling the persistent flooding experienced in parts of the sprawling electronics market.
“We must make sure that we move water,” the deputy governor said, noting that the drainage works behind the market were already about 70 per cent complete.
He said road reconstruction would begin once the drainage projects were completed, adding that the government also planned to expand the road network to accommodate the market’s growing population and increasing commercial activities.
Hamzat reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with market leaders and other stakeholders to transform Alaba International Market into a more functional and sustainable commercial centre.
He said infrastructure development remained a priority of the administration, particularly projects designed to improve mobility, tackle flooding and provide a more conducive environment for businesses to operate.
The assurance came against the backdrop of calls by traders and other market stakeholders for urgent rehabilitation of roads within Alaba International Market, one of Lagos State’s major commercial hubs.
Speaking at the event, former Abia State Governor and Senator, Uzor Orji Kalu, commended the Lagos State Government for its efforts to rehabilitate critical infrastructure around the market.
Kalu said effective governance should be measured by the delivery of projects that have a direct impact on the lives and businesses of citizens.
He also praised Hamzat, describing him as a leader with extensive experience in infrastructure development and a strong understanding of Lagos’ developmental needs.
The senator expressed confidence that sustained engagement between the government and communities across Lagos would help identify priority projects and accelerate socio-economic development.
Earlier, the President-General of Alaba International Market Electronics Association, Camillus Amajuoyi, described the New Face of Alaba initiative as a major step towards repositioning the market and improving its operating environment.
Amajuoyi said the initiative was designed to transform Alaba into a cleaner, safer, digitally driven and globally competitive commercial hub capable of competing with leading markets worldwide.
He said the vision would promote integrity, discipline, innovation and adherence to global best practices while preserving Alaba’s longstanding reputation as a centre of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.
The market leader also commended the Lagos State Government for its investments in infrastructure and urban renewal, as well as policies he said had helped create a more favourable environment for businesses.
Amajuoyi, however, urged the government to expedite the provision of a motorable road network within the market.
He stressed that improved roads were essential to the smooth movement of goods and customers and would further support commercial activities within one of Lagos’ busiest trading centres.
