Ambode, with SSG, Tunji Bello and Transport commissioner, Moberola, at the briefing today

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, less than a week to his first anniversary officially unveiled what he called a regenerative plan for  Oshodi, the busiest transport hub in the city of over 20 million people.

“”Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a solution to the Oshodi menace”, said Ambode.

The plan involves replacing the confusion in the area with a well designed transport interchange, an iconic, world class transportation and commercial hub.

“The proposed redevelopment of Oshodi axis will consolidate all the 13 City and Interstate parks into three multi-storey bus park & terminals situated on 4 floors, ” he announced at a press briefing in Ikeja today.

Oshodi master plan

“Terminal 1, the Mosafejo Market Axis, would be for Inter-state transportation.    Terminal 2, former Owonifari Market, and Terminal 3, adjacent to NAFDAC, will be for Intra-city transport activities. These terminals will have standard facilities including waiting area, loading bays, ticketing stands, drivers lounge, parking areas, rest rooms, etc.

“The development will include accessible walkways and pedestrian bridges/sky-walks to link all the 3 terminals. The development will introduce bus lanes, lay-bys, green parks to soften the environment, proper waste management, fencing and a dedicated security team for Oshodi.

“When we complete this project, we would have completely rebranded and remodeled Oshodi from a decadent situation to an iconic state. The crime rate in this area will be drastically reduced, if not eliminated.(watch the video:)

“In addition, a shopping mall covering over Two Hectares will be situated in the old Mosafejo settlement. This mall will comprise recreation, entertainment”, he said

Ambode noted that Oshodi is arguably the busiest transport interchange in West Africa, with over 5,600 buses spread over 13 different motor parks loading daily.

Oshodi has over 200,000 passengers boarding per day, about 1 million pedestrians and 76% of the area is dedicated to transport and related activities.

“The result of this is chaos, illegal markets, high human and vehicular traffic, environmental and sanitation issues and in recent times serious security challenges. You will agree with me that this Oshodi does not fit into the Lagos of our dreams; a globally competitive Lagos which is clean, safe and prosperous.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a solution to the Oshodi menace. The Oshodi Interchange you see today will be replaced by an iconic, world class transportation and commercial hub. That is in keeping with the vision of this government to transform the key city centres of the State to reflect the mega city status of Lagos.”

The new Oshodi bus terminal will be delivered with a PPP arrangement, he added.