Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Adejumoke Senbanjo, has declared that the council has successfully transitioned into a more organised, accessible and business-friendly hub.
She called on residents and business owners who have relocated from the area due to perennial traffic gridlock to return.
At a briefing held in the council secretariat, Senbanjo said the dramatic decongestion of Apapa’s legendary traffic was a great achievement.
She said: “For years, the area was synonymous with stagnant queues, but recent strategic efforts have cleared the path for commuters and commerce alike.
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“Apapa is now a place you can drive in and out of with ease, it is currently easier to navigate Apapa than the Lekki or Ajah corridors as the internal roads have been reclaimed. All those who left Apapa owing to gridlock should come back. We are calling on business owners to see the milestones we have achieved for a better enabling environment.”
In alignment with the Governor’s Cleaner Lagos agenda, the council is enforcing strict environmental and security protocols. While the Chairman expressed empathy for street traders, particularly women, she emphasised that law and order remain a priority for security reasons.
“Our environmental initiatives include, mandatory registration of all street traders, and food vendors’ permits,” she said.
She announced a massive welfare rollout to cushion the effects of economic shifts,
“A new round of cash palliatives is set to begin, targeting over 4,000 residents, including, market women, artisans, residents and Small-scale Traders. Each beneficiary is slated to receive N100,000 to support their livelihoods,” she added.
She mentioned that the council has also made significant strides in social infrastructure saying: “Three fully equipped health centers now offer round-the-clock doctor services. Plans are underway to provide dedicated accommodation for doctors and nurses within hospital premises. 500 vulnerable residents are currently supported through the council’s health insurance scheme.
“The council has fulfilled its primary educational goals, working in lockstep with the State Government and SUBEB to enhance local schooling.”
The Vice Chairman, Ganiu Ismail, emphasised on the council focus on skills acquisition and youth empowerment, which focuses on sustainable agriculture.
“Our Youths are being trained in fishery and poultry farming, with the council often acting as the primary off-taker by purchasing their produce,” he said.
Council Manager Mrs. Sonate Oluwatoyin Adebanji, highlighted that the administrative backbone of Apapa is stronger than ever.
She said council is number one across Lagos State councils in staff welfare.
She pointed to the digitalization of the secretariat and the provision of daily staff buses. Beyond local support, she said the council has even facilitated international training to ensure staff remain globally competitive.