Jankara, Bombata, and Pelewura markets located on Lagos Island are slated for complete demolition as part of an urban regeneration initiative.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced this during an inspection of drainage channels on the Island. The decision comes in response to chronic flooding issues, primarily caused by encroachments on water canals, notably by market activities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for a comprehensive rebuild to resolve the recurrent flooding along Idumagbo Avenue during the rainy season.
As part of our administration’s plan for the regeneration of Lagos Island, I went on an on-site inspection of some areas in that axis that were affected by floods.
I visited Jankara, Ojo Giwa, Oroyiyin, Idumagbo and Pelewura market respectively.What was sadly visible during… pic.twitter.com/kYfSpQUyeR
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 8, 2023
He said, “We have come here on a drainage and regeneration call. The entire stretch of Idumagbo Avenue is always flooded during the rainy season because of human activities, especially from the markets around the area.
He stated, “They have built on the canals and so prevented the free flow of water, so we need to do a total rebuild.
“Hence, to allow for proper regeneration of the Lagos Island, Jankara and Bombata markets have to go, it will be ground zero. This thus serves as a notice, the markets will be cleaned to allow our urban regeneration plans. The design for the new market is ready.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted that these markets have outgrown their role and no longer align with the modern urban landscape, necessitating their redevelopment.
He continued, “We will however give adequate notice to those in Pelewura market because it has more traders, but this serves as the first notice.
“These markets have outgrown and outlived a market in a modern city so they must give way for urban models.”