The Lagos State Government has promised to ensure that the Central Business Districts (CDBs) in the state attain the same international standard that characterises CDs in developed cities of the world.

Hon. Agboola Dabiri, Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Central Business Districts, gave the assurance at a meeting he held Wednesday with representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Chapter, who paid a courtesy visit to his Office, in Alausa, Ikeja.

He said his office has mapped out strategies to sustain the level of achievement so far on Lagos Island CBD in terms of traffic control and regulation as well as prevention of traders from displaying goods on walkways. Hon. Dabiri said that notable feeder roads into the major road at Apongbon largely obstructing traffic may be blocked to ensure free flow of vehicular movement in the axis.

The Special Adviser, who has on many occasions personally engaged in traffic control on the Island, said that the coming year will see CBD operations fully extended to Ikeja and Apapa in line with the action plan of government at ensuring the much desired international standard is achieved in Lagos.

Speaking further, he said: “A high level stakeholders’ forum is being organised by the State Government early next year to bring on board notable private sector organisations, in a public - private initiative, that will assist government in turning the fortune of CBD around for the better.”

The collaborative gesture with the private sector, according to Hon. Dabiri, will reflect in the area of sanitation, maintenance, traffic control as well as corporate branding and kitting of CBD operatives for proper identification in a combined effort at bringing back the lost glory to the Island.

Earlier, the Special Adviser while holding a meeting with personnel of the agency including the monitoring officers, taskforce and volunteers corps, charged them to brace up for the challenges ahead. He noted that the job of taking CBD to the next level should be the concern of all and sundry as anyone found to be a clog in the wheel of progress will be shown the way out.

•Photo shows aeria view of Lagos Central Business District.

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