The Lagos State Government has assumed control of the land in Katangua market located in the Abule-Egba area, with plans to develop an ICT International Market on the premises.

Previously under the management of property agent Bridgeways Global Projects Limited through a contractual agreement with the state government, the association was terminated two years back.

During a planned inspection visit to the market, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to the state governor on Electronic Geographic Information System (e-GIS) and Urban Development, explained that the government took physical possession of the land to prevent unauthorized individuals from deceiving the market traders.

Dr. Babatunde stated, "The concession agreement between the Lagos state government and Messrs Bridgeways Global Projects Limited was ended two years ago, and we expected them to promptly vacate their role within the market. However, it has come to our attention that unsuspecting individuals are still making payments to Bridgeways. This practice must cease."

“Any responsible government has the responsibility of protecting her citizens from being defrauded. Also, just three days ago, we were invited to the State House of Assembly. There has been a petition submitted to the Honourable Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and he has passed this to the Honourable member who is the House Committee Chairman on Physical Planning. He is here together with a number of other members of his Committee, and it was agreed that we visit this place today as part of their oversight function. We are also taking this opportunity as a government to do the needful.

Speaking further on the fate of existing building structures in the market, he said: “You know we have a listening president who we know today as a man of the people. We came here, we canvassed for votes and some of the people who are here voted for us- they are citizens and residents of Lagos and their fundamental human rights must be protected. We also have a governor, Babajide Sanwaolu, who is a kind-hearted and listening governor; he has also swung into action to protect the interest of the people who are here. The people who are here are our brothers, sisters, friends, relations and families. They have paid money to Bridgeways- 100 percent payment for market stalls that should not even cost up to 20 percent of the amount. Bridgeways has collected up to N12 million for markets stalls you can build for N3 million even in today’s Nigeria economy. That is unfair and wrong. These are things that the government wants to look into.

Babatunde revealed that the Lagos State Executive Council severed ties with Bridgeways two years ago. He expressed astonishment upon discovering individuals purporting to be Bridgeways staff still collecting money on-site.

He said some of the company’s agents and staff have been arrested and taken to the police station, and definitely, prosecution will follow.

On the fate of those who have made payments already, Babatunde said the victims would need to fill out some forms, with their names and other details, and how much they have paid so far with evidence of payment, so that this can be verified.

“Verification of those who are here is very necessary, as this will help us to present verified documents to the state House of Assembly. For easy coordination of the verification exercise, Mrs. Bola Bello who is the Project Manager for Katangua market, has today been chosen to oversee the project. For anybody who has paid money to Bridgeways, we must recognise all of them after verification. We assure you that the interest and right of anybody will not be taken for granted.” he explained.

The designated site is set to become an ICT International Market, to which the Computer Village in Ikeja will relocate. The Lagos State government has assured that this center will undergo a thorough development, incorporating modern amenities such as hotels and residential facilities to facilitate transportation needs. This establishment aims to serve as a key economic center that will draw individuals from across Nigeria and certain African countries.

During the visit, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), urged the traders to cooperate and adhere to the law. He emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity presented by the government.

“You have heard all that our team has told you. It is now you duty to put things in the right perspective. My mandate is that, any building without building approval or without authorization, is my duty to remove them.

“But because Mr. Governor, in his kind heart, has decided that we should look at the whole matter, and put things in the right perspective. And the best way to put things in the right perspective is not only just for you people to write and sign.

“Every association or every wing has the Chairman and Committee. The chairman or committee must be able to attest that you own a shop. We don’t want ghost names. Accountability is key in this project.

“Apart from these instructions, the environment must be clean and vehicles must be able to move in and out with ease. These are the conditions that must be met,” Oki emphasised.