The Lagos State Government has terminated its agreement with Messers Bridgeways Global Projects Limited regarding the Kantagua Market, which was intended to house the Computer Village from Ikeja. This decision comes after the government found that the concessionaire did not adhere to the terms of the contract, including the unlawful collection of tolls and fees from traders. The market was envisioned as an IT hub with modern infrastructure.
Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on E-GIS and Planning matters, announced that the government would take over the market and develop it to international standards. This includes the construction of hotels and other facilities suitable for an ICT hub. The government accused the concessionaire of building substandard structures and charging traders exorbitant fees without government approval.
The General Manager of LABSCA, Gbolahan Oki, emphasized the need for traders' cooperation and requested that they provide any documentation indicating their stake in the market. He assured that compensation would be paid to anyone with a legitimate claim. The goal is to transform the market into a self-sustaining, clean, and competitive infrastructure that reflects its status as an international market.
Hon. Ogunkelu Sylvester, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, led a fact-finding mission to the market in response to a petition from the Market Association's leaders. He assured traders that no one would lose their money but stressed the importance of cooperating with the government by filling out forms accurately and providing receipts of payment.
