Lagos State Deputy Governor, Kadri Hamzat, has assured traders and business owners at Alaba International Market, Ojo, that the state government will proceed with the reconstruction and expansion of roads within the market once ongoing drainage projects are completed.

Hamzat gave the assurance on Friday at the unveiling of the New Face of International Market Electronics Association, held at the Colonade Hotel, Ikoyi, where he reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing infrastructure capable of supporting commerce and improving the quality of life of residents.

He explained that the decision to complete the drainage network before reconstructing the roads was deliberate, noting that effective flood control was essential to protecting the durability of any new road infrastructure in the market.

According to him, significant progress has already been made on the drainage projects, which are intended to improve water flow and address the persistent flooding challenges affecting parts of the market.

“We must make sure that we move water,” Hamzat said, explaining that the drainage works behind the market were already about 70 per cent complete.

He added that road reconstruction would commence after the drainage works were completed, stressing that the road network would also have to be expanded to accommodate the growing population and commercial activities within the market.

The deputy governor said the government remained committed to working with market leaders and other stakeholders to transform Alaba International Market into a more functional and sustainable commercial centre.

He assured traders that infrastructure development would remain a priority, particularly projects capable of improving mobility, reducing flooding and creating a more conducive environment for businesses to operate.

Hamzat’s remarks came amid calls from market stakeholders for urgent rehabilitation of roads within the sprawling electronics market, one of Lagos’ major commercial centres.

Speaking at the event, Senator Uzor Orji Kalu commended the Lagos State Government for its efforts to rehabilitate critical infrastructure around Alaba International Market.

Kalu stressed that effective governance should be measured by the delivery of projects that directly affect the lives and businesses of citizens, while commending the administration for its infrastructure focus.

He also described Hamzat as a leader with extensive experience in infrastructure development and an understanding of Lagos’ developmental needs.

He expressed confidence that continued engagement with communities across the state would help identify priority projects and accelerate socio-economic development.

In his welcome address, the President-General of Alaba International Market Electronics Association, Chief Camillus Amajuoyi, described the New Face of Alaba initiative as a major effort to reposition the market and improve its operating environment.

Amajuoyi said the initiative was designed to transform Alaba into a cleaner, safer, digitally driven and globally competitive commercial hub, capable of competing with leading markets around the world.

He said the vision was aimed at promoting integrity, discipline, innovation and adherence to global best practices while preserving Alaba’s longstanding reputation as a centre of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.

The market leader commended the Lagos State Government for its investments in infrastructure and urban renewal, as well as policies he said had contributed to creating an environment in which businesses could thrive.

He, however, appealed to the government to expedite the provision of a motorable road network within the market, stressing that improved roads were critical to the movement of goods, customers and business activities.