By LYDIA CHIGOZIE-NGWAKWE

The Lagos State Government says it will give priority attention to previous shop owners in the ongoing redevelopment of the popular Alaba Transnational Market in the Iba area of the state.

The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, gave the assurance in a statement issued by the agency’s Director, Public Affairs, Mr Mukaila Sanusi, on Friday in Lagos.

Babatunde gave the assurance during a tour of the site on Thursday.

He said that the transformation of the market into a modern facility was not intended to displace existing traders but to improve their business environment in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

“In allocating shops at the Alaba Transnational Market, the Lagos State Government will give precedence to previous users, who will be required to obtain and complete the necessary forms from the local government,” he said.

He also gave the assurance that the project would be completed and inaugurated before the end of Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s tenure.

According to him, the redevelopment aims to enhance commercial activities by providing modern infrastructure and ensuring a safe and orderly marketplace.

The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area, Mr Yisa Jubril, praised Sanwo-Olu for upgrading the market in spite of challenges.

He said that many traders had, for long, desired an improved market space, and expressed hope that the project would uplift the local economy.

The Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Sylvester Ogunkelu, who was in the inspection team, said the assembly would continue to support efforts to modernise markets and create better spaces for commerce.

He urged the traders to remain calm and cooperate with the government for a smooth redevelopment process. (NAN)