Lagos Relocates Okobaba Plank Market to Agbowa, Provides 260 Homes for Traders

The announcement was made by Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development, during a ministerial press briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja. The briefing is part of activities marking Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office during his second term.

“We didn’t just move the traders; we made sure they had a place to call home,” Dr. Babatunde said. “The 260 two-bedroom flats in Agbowa are part of our commitment to inclusive development that leaves no one behind.”

He added that the relocation is part of a broader plan by the state government to modernize and reorganize several markets across Lagos. Twenty-one markets, including Computer Village, Katangowa, Abule Egba, Alabama Transnational Market, Pelewura, and Jankara Gorodome, are currently undergoing various stages of relocation, renovation, or redevelopment.

“These projects are being supervised by the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), and the goal is simple—make our markets safer, more accessible, and better structured,” he said.

Dr. Babatunde also outlined an ambitious plan to tackle slum development across the state. According to him, LASURA aims to reduce the number of slum communities by half every year through targeted infrastructure projects and community-focused urban planning.

“We’re working closely with residents in places like Ipodo to create renewal plans that respect their way of life while also upgrading their environment,” he explained.

Beyond urban renewal, the government is also tightening safety in the construction sector. Over the past year, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) certified 140 professionals as accredited building inspectors. These experts are responsible for reviewing building plans, conducting inspections at different stages, and ensuring developers comply with safety standards.

“In the last year alone, LASBCA uncovered 8,663 building infractions and granted over 1,100 construction commencement permits,” Dr. Babatunde noted. “This is part of our effort to end the cycle of building collapse in Lagos.”

In a bid to promote environmentally friendly construction, the state also announced a 30 percent rebate for individuals who choose to build Green Eco-houses.

“This incentive is our way of encouraging sustainable living. We want people to see that building green isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also supported by the government,” he said.