The Lagos State Government has officially terminated its contract with Bridgeway Global Project Limited for the development of the Kantagua Market.
Dr. Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, made this announcement during an inspection of the designated land area for the relocation of Ikeja Computer Village as part of the state government’s urban renewal initiative.
Babatunde stated, “The contractual agreement with the consultant for the Kantagua Market Project, Bridgeway Global Project Limited, was terminated over two years ago due to the contractor’s failure to meet the terms of the agreement. Hence, it is unlawful for the contractor or its representatives to demand any fees or payments from anyone under any guise for the market’s development after the termination of the contract.
“The Urban Development Department in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, under the leadership of Bola Bello, has assumed control of the Kantangua project until further notice. All project-related activities must adhere to the guidelines and regulations of the Lagos State Building Control Agency.”
Addressing concerns about subscribers who had made payments to Bridgeway Global Project Limited for shop allocations in the market, Babatunde assured, “Any individuals who paid money to the project consultant after the termination of the contract will be refunded by Bridgeway Global Project Limited after proper identification and verification by the State government to ascertain the legitimate occupants and the amount paid.
“Henceforth, no payments should be made to them as they no longer represent the state government on this project. The Director of Urban Development, Bola Bello, and her team will handle all matters related to the State Government’s involvement in this market project until further notice.”
He ordered the arrest and prosecution of eight staff members of Bridgeway Global Project Limited found collecting tolls and fees at the market gate.
Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, cautioned against environmental violations and road blockages leading to the market. He emphasized, “No payments should be made to anyone until further notice when the situation is clarified.”
Oki revealed that illegal buildings and structures in some parts of the market would be demolished to facilitate the proper development of the market.
Meanwhile, Ogunkelu Sylvester, the Chairman of the Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development in the State House of Assembly, accompanied by other assembly members, visited the market to investigate the matter further. They will present their findings to the speaker for further action.
