180 traders allocated shops at redeveloped Alaba International Market
The Lagos State government has started the distribution of provisional letters of allocation to the first 180 beneficiaries of the Alaba International Market redevelopment project as part of efforts to
The Lagos State government has started the distribution of provisional letters of allocation to the first 180 beneficiaries of the Alaba International Market redevelopment project as part of efforts to modernise markets across the state.
Speaking during the presentation at the LASBCA Headquarters, Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the governor on eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, said the project aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda aimed at delivering dividends of democracy to residents.He said the state government is redeveloping 21 markets across Lagos, including Alaba Nago, Katangwa Market, Pelewura, Pelewura Oniru, Bombata and Jankara.
He described Alaba International Market, formerly known as Alaba Nago, as the largest cattle market in West Africa, noting that the redevelopment is designed to transform the facility into a modern commercial hub.
Advertisement
300x250
READ ALSO: Iyabo Ojo is not an ambassador, nor awarded any gig — FAAN MD clarifies
According to him, several state agencies and financial institutions collaborated to ensure the project’s success, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance, Office of Public Private Partnership and the Office of the Accountant-General.
Babatunde noted that the allocation exercise is part of government’s commitment to transparency, recalling that Governor Sanwo-Olu had earlier published the list of beneficiaries in September 2025 to assure traders that the redevelopment was not aimed at dispossessing them of their property.
“We are building 3,000 market stalls alongside banks, clinics, police stations, abattoir facilities, trailer parks, road networks, perimeter fencing and gatehouses to meet modern commercial standards,” he said.
He added that the 180 beneficiaries were selected from completed blocks, while additional allocations would be made as construction progresses, with the next phase expected to accommodate about 600 traders.
Advertisement
300x250
“For every allocation, the governor gives approval. Each beneficiary receives five copies of the allocation letter, which will be shared among the allottee, Debt Management Office, UBA, Alaba Transnational Market management and our office,” he said.
Chairman, Alaba Rago Central Committee Association, Husseini Lajawa, described the allocation exercise as a fulfillment of promises made by the state government since 2022.
Lajawa said traders had earlier engaged the government on the need to redevelop the market and expressed satisfaction with the level of collaboration between government and financial institutions in executing the project.
He stated that three blocks of shops have been completed and allocated to traders, adding that the cost of shops was fixed at N13 million for ground floor units, N12 million for first floor units and N10 million for second floor units.
He lauded the state government for prioritising existing traders in the allocation process and ensuring that the redeveloped market remains beneficial to members of the Alaba community.
Lajawa described the allocation as a landmark achievement for traders and expressed optimism that the modern facilities would enhance commercial activities and improve traders’ working environment.
He reaffirmed the commitment of traders to support the government’s redevelopment initiative and maintain the upgraded market infrastructure.
