The Lagos State government has commenced stakeholder engagement on proposed improvement works at Ikotun junction to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity. 

The proposed intervention covers the intersection of Ijegun, Isolo, and Idimu roads and aims to improve traffic flow, connectivity, and mobility in the area. 

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this in a statement issued by the ministry’s director of public affairs, Titilayo Oshodi-Eko.

Mr Olumide spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting on Friday at the Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area secretariat. 

He said the intervention would improve accessibility and create a more organised environment for movement and commercial activities. 

The commissioner said the state government attached great importance to transportation and traffic management across Lagos. 

He stressed that proper utilisation and management of informal spaces within the project area would be necessary to sustain the intervention’s benefits. 

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Olawale Musa, identified roadside trading as a major cause of congestion. 

He also identified unregulated commercial activities as major contributors to traffic congestion along the Ikotun axis. 

Mr Osiyemi said the project formed part of the government’s efforts to address transportation challenges confronting residents and businesses in the area. 

He assured stakeholders whose properties or legitimate interests might be affected that they would receive adequate compensation. 

According to him, compensation will be paid in line with applicable government policies and established procedures. 

He urged affected persons, community leaders and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government for smooth and timely execution of the project.

The permanent secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Olayinka Wasiu, also appealed for cooperation with government officials and project consultants. 

He said such cooperation would help ensure that the intervention was completed within the expected timeframe. 

The chairman, Igando/Ikotun LCDA, Lasisi Akinsanya, commended the state government for initiating the proposed intervention. 

Mr Akinsanya described the project as a timely response to transportation and environmental challenges confronting the community. 

Similarly, the traditional ruler, the Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Azeez Asiwaju, expressed support for the project. 

He assured the government of the traditional institution’s and residents’ cooperation in successfully implementing the intervention. 

Traditional rulers, community leaders, market men and women, residents, and representatives of host communities attended the meeting. 

State government officials and other stakeholders also participated.

 (NAN)