The Lagos State Government has allocated shops to 180 traders in the newly redeveloped Alaba Transnational Market, formerly known as Alaba Rago Market, along the Mile 2–Badagry Expressway.
The beneficiaries form the first batch of about 3,000 traders affected by the demolition of the old market under the state’s urban renewal and megacity development programme.
Presenting the allocation letters at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) headquarters, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS, Dr. Babajide Olajide, said the project is part of a broader plan to modernise 21 markets across the state.
He listed Katangua, Pelewura and Jankara among markets undergoing similar upgrades.
Olajide described the former Alaba Rago as one of West Africa’s largest cattle markets, stressing the need for infrastructure that meets modern standards and aligns with Lagos’ megacity vision.
He noted that the redevelopment was executed through collaboration among key government agencies, including LASBCA, the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, the Ministry of Finance, the Debt Management Office, the Office of the Accountant-General, the Office of Public-Private Partnerships, and the United Bank for Africa.
According to him, traders were offered flexible payment plans, including 25 per cent or 50 per cent initial deposits with a six-month period to complete payment, as well as a full upfront payment option.
The Special Adviser warned traders against environmental and traffic violations, stating that the government would not tolerate trading activities on the expressway or other unauthorised areas.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chairman of the Alaba Rago Central Committee Association, Alhaji Husseini Mohammed, said discussions on the redevelopment began in 2022 following engagements with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He commended the governor for facilitating financial support through commercial banks to accelerate the project and expressed confidence that the upgraded facilities would improve business operations and the overall trading environment.
The redevelopment forms part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to enhance infrastructure, strengthen urban planning, and reinforce the state’s position as a leading commercial hub in Africa.
