Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has ordered the State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) to immediately embark on extensive repair on the ever busy Lagos-Badagry Expressway so as to improve driving experience of motorists in the area.
Special Adviser to the Governor/C.E.O, Public Works, Engr. Ayotunde Sodeinde, told journalists on Thursday that the LSPWC has already mobilised its workers to commence work immediately on several sections of the road.
“Immediately His Excellency, Governor Ambode gave us the directive, we have moved into the area to commence extensive work on the roads. We have been here since Tuesday and work has commenced in earnest,” he said.
He said the repair works will include covering all potholes on the road while the drainage systems will also be given a face-lift.
Sodeinde listed the roads earmarked for repairs to include Iyana Ishasi – Ribamu Bus Stop (both sides), Ketu Bus Stop – Cele Nica, FGC Ijanikan – Iyana Era, ACOED Pedestrian Bridge – Alafia Bus Stop, Former Toll Gate – Ibiye/Morogbo and Pure Water Bus Stop – Magbon (both sides).
Other roads expected to get a facelift include, Ile-Epo Bus Stop – Oko Afo Outward Badagry, Mowo Bus Stop – Elijah Araromi Bridge (both sides), Limca Bus Stop – Mosafejo (both sides), French Village – Low Cost Housing Scheme and Ibereko (both sides).
According to Sodeinde, the repair was in line with the mandate of the present administration to ensure zero tolerance for potholes.
He expressed optimism that when rehabilitation works are completed, it will to a large extent reduce the traffic congestion, assuring that the Public Works Gangs will work day and night to on the roads.
Ambode also on Thursday reeled out the numerous investment opportunities that abound to would-be investors in critical sectors such as power, agriculture, transportation, health, tourism, housing, ICT and manufacturing, just as he assured that the state is open more than ever before for greater business.
The Governor Ambode, who spoke at the formal unveiling of the Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, otherwise known as Lagos Global, said in anticipation of the increased socio-economic activities, his administration has resolved to prioritise the achievement of the four pillars of the Lagos State Development Plan (2012-2015) which included economic development, infrastructural development, social development and security, and sustainable environment.
The Lagos Global, which is an initiative of the Ambode administration, is a one-stop shop designed to encourage ease of doing business and help to turn Lagos into Africa’s model megacity and global economic and financial hub that is safe, secure, functional and productive.
Ambode, who was represented at the unveiling by Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello, said that the efforts put in place so far have ensured that the state remained the desired business destination attracting massive Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) such as the $1.65 billion Lekki Deep Seaport.
He assured that the seaport would be completed in 2019 and upon completion will be the deepest seaport in Sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the Badagry Creek Industrial Park, a $1.3billion investment meant for completion in 2018 and the $12 billion Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Park were among other investments coming to the State.
In his keynote address, renowned economist and social crusader, Professor Pat Utomi said the creation of Lagos Global is a major step towards transforming the state to modern city-state just like the advanced ones in the world.
He said Lagos must run a 24/7 economy, and that the growth of the state requires significant cooperation from neighbouring states.
