The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Business Districts (CBD), Mr. Olugbenga Olarenwaju Oyerinde, has called on stakeholders operating within the Ikeja business district to cooperate with CBD operatives to curb environmental and traffic issues within the district.
Oyerinde made the call while reacting to the increasing hostility by the motoring public and traders operating within the Ikeja Business District, especially those displaying their wares under the bridge and roads near the Computer Village, Ikeja.
He asserted that the task of the Agency would ensure a stress-free and conducive business environment for the benefit of shoppers, visitors, residents and business owners through efficient and effective traffic and environmental management.
“We are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the much cherished international standards that characterise the existence of Central Business Districts in developed cities of the world are replicated in Ikeja CBD. We are ready to push our operatives beyond the limit to ensure fulfilment of our set objectives”, he added.
Noting that the Lagos Central Business Districts Management Office was established to address the challenges in the maintenance of infrastructure, Oyerinde stated that the overall objective is to create a conducive business environment for the citizenry in areas designated as central business districts in the State.
His words: “By virtue of the creation of CBD and the mandate given to it, the Office has the statutory responsibility to manage traffic, curb environmental degradation, and ensure strict adherence to physical planning laws of the State within any place designated as a business district”.
Decrying the nuisance of illegal street trading and flagrant display of wares on walkways and roads, the Special Adviser called on market leaders as well as owners of shops and plazas, who have extended their shops to the roads, to remove them immediately or face the full wrath of the environmental and physical planning laws of Lagos State.
He also warned members of the public with the habit of inciting motorists and traders against CBD operatives to desist or face prosecution, advising motorists and traders to report activities of CBD operatives, who demand bribes or any type of gratification, for necessary disciplinary action.
Oyerinde disclosed that the clampdown on illegal activities within the Ikeja Business District is to restore sanity to traffic management, violation of physical planning laws, security, waste management, street trading and other issues relating to the smooth operations and development of the business district.
He, therefore, called on commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators operating around the computer village axis to comply with the restriction imposed on their operations in some parts of the Ikeja Business District such as Airport/Ikeja Bridge, Kodesoh Bridge and Awolowo Way amongst others.
“The State Government has commenced the expansion of the roads within the axis and is expending enormous resources and wherewithal on beautification, painting, rebranding, reconstruction and general uplifting of Ikeja CBD axis for businesses to thrive. However, the present administration is determined to curb all illegal street trading and activities of Okada operators in the area which are impeding its set goals and objectives”, the Special Adviser stated.
