Lagos governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, has revealed plans to completely demolish three iconic markets in the state.
Making the announcement on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu said the markets are Jankara, Bombata and Pelewura markets, saying that the sweeping decision comes as part of a broader initiative aimed at rejuvenating and transforming the urban landscape of Lagos.
He disclosed this during a visit to inspect drainage channels on Lagos Island on Sunday [today] as he noted: “We have come here on a drainage and regeneration call. The entire stretch of Idumagbo Avenue is always flooded during the rainy season because of human activities, especially from the markets around the area. They have built on the canals and so prevented the free flow of water, so we need to rebuild.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu further emphasized that this move was necessary to pace way for an all-inclusive renaissance of Island adding that, “To allow for a proper renewal of Lagos Island, the three major markets have to go, and it would be a ground-zero. This thus serves as a notice; the markets will be cleaned to allow our urban renewal plans. The design for the new market is ready. We will, however, give adequate notice to those in Pelewura market because it has more traders, but this serves as the first notice. These markets have outgrown and outlived a market in a modern city, so they must give way for urban models.”
He also noted that the decision to demolish these markets is a bold move by the government of Lagos State, signaling a commitment to modernize the city’s infrastructure and create an environment that is more conducive to both residents and businesses. As plans for urban regeneration continue to take shape, the fate of these historic markets hangs in the balance, with traders and residents bracing themselves for the inevitable changes that lie ahead, Sanwo-Olu said.
