The Lagos State Government has terminated the contractual relationship with Bridgeway Global Project Limited on the development of the Kantagua Market.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, during an inspection of the vast area earmarked for the relocation of Ikeja Computer Village under the Lagos State Government’s urban regeneration programme, according to The Punch.
He said, “The contract with the Kantagua Market Project consultant, Bridgeway Global Project Limited, has since been terminated over two years ago due to non-performance of the contractor on the agreement reached with him and it is, therefore, illegal for him or his representatives to collect any fees or money from anyone in any disguise on the development of the market after termination of his contract.
“The Urban Development Department in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development headed by Bola Bello has taken over the management of the Kantangua project till further notice. He also directed that anything that has to do with project control has to be in line with Lagos State Building Control Agency’s guidelines and regulations.”
Commenting on subscribers who had paid Bridgeway Global Project Limited for the allocation of shops in the market, Babatunde said, “All of you that have paid any money to the project consultant after his contract was terminated, I can assure you that Bridgeway Global Project Limited will be made to refund all fees collected illegally to the subscribers after the conduct of proper identification and verification by the State government to determine the real occupants and how much they paid.
“From this moment, nobody should pay any kobo to them again as they no longer represent the state government on this project. The Director of Urban Development, Bola Bello, and her team will be the ones to represent the State Government on this market project till further notice and if you have anything to do on this market project, please liaise with her.”
He directed that eight members of staff of Bridgeway Global Project Limited found in the market gate collecting tolls and fees be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki in his address to the subscribers and sellers in the market, warned against any environmental infringement as well as blocking roads leading into the market.
“Nobody should pay any money to anybody for now till further notice when things are put in the right perspective,” he warned.
The Chairman of the Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development in the State House of Assembly, Ogunkelu Sylvester accompanied by other members of the state legislature went to the market as part of a fact-finding visit.
In reply to a petition from the Market Association’s leaders, he said that they were sent by the Speaker’s instructions.
He also said that the findings will be presented to the Speaker for further consideration.
