The Lagos State Office of Urban Development has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the ongoing regeneration of the Alaba Rago Transnational Market will be inclusive, transparent, and beneficial to original traders and residents.
This assurance was delivered during a stakeholder engagement held on Wednesday at the palace of Oba Sulaimon Raji-Ashade, the Oniba of Iba.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, described the redevelopment as a major priority of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
“Development has come to our doorstep—and this is sincere development,” Babatunde said. “This is not about Mr. Governor alone. He carries the mandate of the President, the Vice President, and most importantly, the people.”
He clarified that the project was not intended to dispossess existing traders and residents but to enhance their livelihoods through planned urban renewal.
“This regeneration is for the people. It is designed to benefit the original traders and residents, including the Hausa community, who have contributed immensely to the commercial vitality of this area,” he added.
The redevelopment is structured into six phases, with Phase One—comprising ten blocks of 60 shops each—expected to be completed before the end of 2024. Phase Four, which includes a cattle ranch and trailer park, is also currently under construction.
Babatunde emphasized that the project is a joint venture between the Lagos State Government and development partners, with full support from the local community. “We have worked with the community, taken down distressed and poorly planned structures, and are rebuilding for those who were here before,” he said.
Chairman of the Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Yisa Jubril, praised both the governor and the royal father for their roles in actualizing the long-awaited project.
“For years, people have clamored for Alaba Rago’s redevelopment. Today, we are seeing it become a reality,” he stated. Jubril encouraged residents to spread awareness of the project’s progress and reassured them that original traders would regain their spaces.
State Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Robert, commended Oba Raji-Ashade for his visionary leadership and lauded the cooperation of communities in Iba, Okokomaiko, and Sabo Oniba.
“Oba Raji-Ashade has brought remarkable transformation to the Iba Kingdom. His proactive approach to community development is exemplary,” Robert said.
In his remarks, Oba Sulaimon Raji-Ashade urged stakeholders to unite in supporting the government’s development efforts.
“We are not tribalists in Lagos. We want to ensure that everyone benefits—including our northern brothers,” the monarch said. “Let’s cooperate with the government; they are not here to scatter us.”
The meeting was attended by community leaders, traders, market representatives, and chiefs. Highlights included the presentation of operational vehicles and urban development vests by the Office of E-GIS and Urban Development.
Alaba Rago Market, located in the Iba area of the Ojo Local Government Area, is a prominent hub for food, livestock, and scrap metal trade. Its regeneration is a flagship initiative under the Lagos State Government’s “A Greater Lagos Rising” vision, setting a model for future market redevelopments across the state.