The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to upgrade the Ikotun Junction, covering the Ijegun Road, Isolo Road and Idimu Road intersection, as part of efforts to tackle persistent traffic congestion and improve mobility in the densely populated axis.
The government also assured property owners and other legitimate interests that may be affected by the proposed project of adequate compensation in line with applicable policies and procedures.
The assurances were given during a stakeholder engagement meeting held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat yesterday.
The meeting brought together government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, market men and women, residents and other stakeholders to discuss the proposed intervention and address concerns ahead of its execution.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, described the engagement as crucial to the project’s successful implementation.
Olumide said the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remained committed to improving transportation and traffic management across the state, stressing that the Ikotun Junction intervention would enhance accessibility, ease congestion and create a more organised environment for movement and commercial activities.
He also called for proper management and utilisation of informal spaces within the project area after completion to prevent a return to uncoordinated activities that could undermine the benefits of the intervention.
Representing the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Olawale Musa, identified roadside trading and unregulated commercial activities as major contributors to the persistent traffic congestion along the Ikotun axis.
According to him, the proposed project is part of the government’s broader strategy to address transportation challenges and improve residents’ quality of life.
Musa assured stakeholders whose properties or legitimate interests could be affected by the project that they would be adequately compensated in accordance with government policies.
He urged affected persons, community leaders and residents to cooperate with the government to ensure that the project was executed smoothly and within the expected timeframe.
“We are assuring those whose legitimate interests may be affected by the project of adequate compensation in line with applicable government policies and procedures,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, also appealed to stakeholders to support the government and project consultants throughout the implementation period.
He said constructive participation by residents and other stakeholders would be essential to delivering the project successfully, adding that the state government would continue to pursue projects capable of translating the dividends of democracy into tangible benefits for Lagosians.
The Chairman of Igando/Ikotun LCDA, Ayinde Akinsanya, commended the state government for the planned intervention, describing it as a timely response to the transportation and environmental challenges confronting the community.
Akinsanya assured the government of the LCDA’s cooperation throughout the project.
The Onikotun of Ikotun Kingdom, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu, also welcomed the proposed junction improvement, describing it as a significant development for the community.
The traditional ruler pledged the cooperation of the traditional institution and residents, while urging the government to sustain consultations with stakeholders throughout the implementation of the project.
Stakeholders at the meeting acknowledged the potential impact of the intervention on the socio-economic development of the Ikotun axis, particularly its capacity to reduce traffic congestion, improve road connectivity and create a more orderly environment for residents, businesses and commuters.
They also raised concerns and offered suggestions aimed at ensuring that construction activities cause minimal disruption to economic and social activities in the area.
The engagement was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Adetunji Adeyemi; General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Kehinde Osinaike; General Manager, Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), Daisi Oso; as well as directors and other officials from the Ministries of Transportation and Physical Planning and Urban Development.