Ambode, while addressing stakeholders at the Lagos State House, Ikeja, described Oshodi as the busiest transport interchange in West Africa, with over 5,600 buses spread over 13 different motor parks loading daily.

He said that the current state of Oshodi did not fit into the dream Lagos – a globally competitive, clean, safe and prosperous city.

“Oshodi has over 200,000 passengers boarding per day, about one million pedestrians and 76 per cent of the area is dedicated to transport and related activities,” the governor said.

Gov Ambode

Ambode said that this often leads to chaos, springing up of illegal markets, high human and vehicular traffic, environmental and sanitation issues, and in recent times, serious security challenges.

“We have a solution to the Oshodi menace. The Oshodi Interchange you see today will be replaced with an iconic, world class transportation and commercial hub.

“This is in keeping with the vision of this government to transform the key city centres of the state to reflect the mega city status of Lagos.

“Many of you are aware of the recent demolition of illegal structures and markets in this area.

“This was not to oppress or deny anybody their means of livelihood, but to start the process of regenerating and recreating Oshodi.

“Our effort to redevelop Oshodi is aimed at improving the physical structure, security, and more importantly, creating the 24-hour economy which we promised,” Ambode said.

He said that the first terminal would be constructed at the Mosafejo Market axis for Inter-state transportation, while the second terminal would be erected at the former Owonifari Market.

Ambode also said that the third terminal would be built adjacent NAFDAC in Oshodi for intra-city transport activities.

He said that these terminals would have standard facilities including waiting area, loading bays, ticketing stands, drivers’ lounge, parking areas, rest rooms, among others.

Ambode said that the development would also include accessible walkways and pedestrian bridges, as well as sky walks to link all the three terminals.

“The development will introduce bus lanes, lay-bys, green parks to soften the environment, proper waste management, fencing and a dedicated security team for Oshodi.

“When we complete this project, we will have completely rebranded and remodeled Oshodi from a decadent situation to an iconic state.

“The crime rate in this area will be drastically reduced, if not eliminated,” he said

The governor said that in addition, a shopping mall covering over two hectares would be situated in the old Mosafejo settlement.

He said that a new Oshodi Bus Terminal would be delivered with a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

The governor said that the regeneration of Oshodi interchange would redefine the economic outlook of the area as government’s goal was to make every nook and cranny of Lagos economically viable.

In his remarks, Mr Abiodun Otuola, the Managing Director, Translink Capital Development Limited, developer of the project, said that the project would commence on June 1.

Otuola said the project would be completed within 13 months, adding that the cost of the project was 70 million dollars (N1.4 billion).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the proposed redevelopment of Oshodi axis will consolidate the 13 city and interstate parks into three multi-storey bus parks with terminals situated on the fourth floor.