Lagos, Nigeria, March 2, 2016 – Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s efforts at turning Lagos Central Business Districts into what is obtained abroad has started to yield positive results, following its registration by the International Downtown Association(IDSA) which promotes vital and liveable urban centers by providing support to business improvement districts and communities.
Speaking on the registration in his office at Alausa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts, Hon. Agboola Dabiri, said the State Government has over time committed enormous resources into turning CBD around for the better, adding that the spotlight beamed on it by the international body that oversees the existence of CBD worldwide could not have come at a better time.
He said the international body located in the United States of America has over 2000 members all over the world and Lagos Central Business Districts is the third Agency to be registered in the whole of Africa after Kenya and South Africa.
“The recognition will not only open up Lagos for enormous business opportunities but also provide a good platform for effective partnership and vital experience sharing that will ultimately take it to the next level business-wise, as envisaged by the State Government,”
He added that other level of advantages and partnership will include exchange of summit, exhibition and advertisement within IDA as any Internatio
nal Organizations intending to do business in the State can contact Lagos Central Business Districts for necessary information.
“Lagos CBD now has a platform to meet other CBDs worldwide, share experience with them, collaborate with them towards attaining necessary International Standard,” Dabiri noted.
Speaking on the on-going reconstruction and restructuring in the Lagos Island, the CBD boss explained that the idea is to make people comfortable as they go about their normal businesses, pointing out that the painting of notable places like CMS, Adeniji Adele, Apongbon and Marina is to ensure a clean, secured and prosperous CBD.
On street trading in the area, the Special Adviser enjoined traders to desist from engaging in such venture as culprits will be made to face the full wrath of the law, especially through the recently established mobile courts, adding that concerted efforts are being made to tackle the menace of traffic often caused by illegal activities of commercial vehicle owners.
He said the Lagos Island Central Business District is being properly harnessed to make business transactions cheaper and stress-free for traders and shoppers alike, explaining that the forth-coming light-rail transportation to the Island will not only change the entire scope of CMS but will also reduce traffic tremendously.
