September 26, 2014 – The Lagos State Government has said that it is ready for dialogue with the Federal Government over its intention to take over ongoing construction and expansion of the Lagos Badagry Road.
The road is been expanded into 10 lanes, 5 lanes on both side with light train in the middle.
In a press statement signed by Director (Press and Public Relations) in the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Biola Fagunwa, the state government said it appreciates the interest of the Federal Government on road infrastructures, adding that it marks a new lease of life in the government’s commitment and interest in its various responsibilities towards the people of Lagos State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State Government has solely conceived and financed the project from tax payers’ fund. If the Federal Government now wants to join us, we will be ready for appropriate dialogue. This is in the interest of developing our dear country”, the statement said, adding that it is through dialogue and thorough analysis of the project that issues of this nature should be resolved instead of the pages of newspapers.
“We will like to state that challenges associated with huge projects such as Lagos Badagry Expressway(LBE) whether engineering, technical or even funding is not unusual. We are positive that the challenges will be surmounted through innovative and well-thought-out strategies by which our state government has always transacted its business. In that wise, this project will surely be completed and delivered in the interest of Lagosians”, the statement said.
It noted that the Federal Government may wish to do a similar review of their many projects facing serious challenges all over the nation which might end up becoming white elephant and abandoned projects.
“The Lagos State Government is however not averse to a sincere partnership and collaboration on any project within the state”, the statement added.
