The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Management Board is set to foster tourism and uphold Nigeria’s heritage with the completion of the restoration and beautification of the Independence Memorial Obelisk in Lagos.
During the unveiling of the restored monument, the Managing Director of TBS, Mrs Lucia Shittu, said the initiative was inspired by concerns raised by visitors over the absence of the Nigerian flag at the iconic site where the nation declared independence in 1960.
“Tafawa Balewa Square has been a historic symbol of Nigeria’s independence and democracy, being the location where the Union Jack was lowered and the Nigerian flag was first hoisted. An obelisk adorned with carvings of the pioneer leaders proudly stands on this site. Furthermore, the square hosts the annual memorial service honouring the sacrifices of our armed forces,” she said.
Mrs Shittu said that the restoration aligns with the Federal Government’s broader development goals.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have prioritised the restoration of this site, aligning with Agenda 7 of the 8-point agenda to accelerate diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation,” she said.
She added that the project was made possible through a partnership with Lafarge Africa, which contributed to the initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.
“With the successful completion of the park’s first development phase, we are looking forward to the Remembrance Arcade’s redevelopment, set for completion in the first quarter of 2026,” she said.
Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olajumoke Oduwole, said the Presidency remains committed to preserving national heritage as part of efforts to strengthen social cohesion.
She said the administration’s focus on heritage restoration reflects its broader commitment to stability and unity.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s long and storied history. This is symbolic because through this we are restoring what put us together as a nation,” she said.
Every Lagosian both loves and hates Lagos. The lived reality of the romance and pain of being Lagosian transcends socio-spatial binaries. A city at war with itself, and in open, silent rebellion against its nation.[1] Lagos is both a haven for the imprisoned in search of liberation, and a coffin for free spirits seeking expression. Every man for himself, and God for all of us. The city of Lagos, the Center of Excellence, Nigeria’s pride and shame. In a place where law is merely implied and selectively enforced, order is achieved only through organized chaos, and public infrastructure is utilized against the schemes of the government, the question ‘who is in control?’ becomes a curious one.
Satellite Image of Lagos featuring Tafawa Balewa Square. Source: Google Earth 2023
The city of Lagos has expanded colossally since Nigeria gained its independence from the British in 1960, and few infrastructural legacies of the city’s colonial heritage remain. Tafawa Balewa Square, locally referred to by its acronym “TBS” is one of those sites. In its former life, the square was known as “The Lagos Racecourse”. A sports field which was built on land provided to colonial authorities by Oba Dosunmu. Dosunmu was the first Eleko of Eko, the traditional ruler of Lagos, to be appointed by the British consulate. [2] The Lagos Racecourse served as the site of British “Empire Day Parades” until Nigeria gained its independence in 1960. After which, the course, which had been a symbol and site for the enactment of colonial imperialism, was re-developed to celebrate the lowering of the Union Jack over Nigeria.[3]
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Featured with Queen Elizabeth 1956 (Center), John F. Kennedy 1961 (Right). Sources: Nigerian Government, African History Archives, JFK Library Archives.
Tafawa Balewa Square was named after the first and only prime minister of Nigeria, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. His rule, like the Square, transcended colonialism. Beginning with his appointment in 1957 and ending with his assassination in 1966.[4] The song of hope and aspiration, crushed by greed and corruption, tells the story of Lagos and Nigeria. The first republic which ended with the coup of January 1966, gave way to military dictatorship which persevered until the brief respite of the Second Republic that lasted four years, before another coup d’état returned Nigeria to military rule, which lasted until the dawn of the millennium.[5]
The Lagos Racecourse. Source: Lagospedia
At the directive of Yakubu Gowan, the military dictator who masterminded the countercoup that wrestled Nigeria from the insurgents who ended the first republic, the racecourse was re-built and renamed. The redeveloped Tafawa Balewa Square retained the façade of the original Racecourse. Post-colonial government in Nigeria has retained the extractive and oppressive qualities of colonial rule. Like the Square, deterioration and decay is hidden behind an exterior that aspires to become more than. The 26 story “independence building” which was constructed as part of the initial redevelopment of the Racecourse was also retained. Today, in addition to a 50,000-capacity plaza, TBS houses public amenities that include a shopping complex, a travel agency, restaurants, paid parking lots, and a major bus terminal.[6] The square hosts multiple state and private events throughout each year, including music concerts, traditional masquerade festivals, Independence Day parades and other political rallies.
The firm responsible for the present rendition of Tafawa Balewa Square is Build Hope Services International Limited (BHS). In 2007, BHS was appointed by the Nigerian federal government, through the infrastructure concession regulatory commission (ICRC), during the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo, as the private concessionaire of Tafawa Balewa Square, following a competitive bidding process. The concession requirements as outlined by the ICRC were, to efficiently maintain the complex for a period of thirty years, and to develop additional infrastructures that would improve the use of the complex for the general public.[7] The CEO of BHS, Otunba Olu Adenodi, in an interview with The Nation newspaper given in 2015, expressed that prior to BHS taking over management of TBS, the square provided a haven for “street urchins, miscreants and hoodlums” who “used the site as a hideout to perpetrate various social vices”. This was his way of saying that the square was an uncommodified chill spot for public school students, young adults, and artisans during their work breaks. Despite the deteriorating infrastructure of the square seven years into their contract, Adenodi maintained that the firm had been upgrading the plaza’s facilities and providing jobs for Nigerians in the process. He described the company’s vision to transform the square into a “world class” city center, modelled after the Dubai trade center.[8]
In 2014, through the federal ministry of industry, trade and investment, the federal government during the tenure of Goodluck E. Jonathan, commenced plans for the redevelopment of independence building, into a National Trade and International Business Centre (NTIBC). Following a competitive bid procurement process, The Infrastructure Bank plc (TIB), was appointed as transaction advisor. At the time of appointment, the managing director of TIB explained that the services provided by the bank would be broad and include the selection of a third party, who would provide technical and financial solutions through a public-private partnership. The aim being to transform the building into an ultra-modern, high rise, mixed used complex that will facilitate trade and investments.[9]
Independence Building. Source (Right) Nairaland. (Left) Rethinking the Future.TBS Bus Terminal. Source: The Guardian Nigeria.
Although the public private partnership model is not an uncommon approach to stewarding national assets in Nigeria, Tafawa Balewa Square presents quite a unique case study. Built on land that should undisputedly belong to the indigenes of Lagos, the Ownership of the land and all infrastructures subsequently developed on it, fell under federal jurisdiction at a time when Lagos was the capital of Nigeria. The relocation of the federal capital to Abuja in 1991, removed governance of the square, which was built on indigenous Eko land, from the direct influence of Lagos State, and relegated it to being an afterthought of a national monument, despite its historical pedigree. The indigenous people of Lagos to whom TBS holds the greatest cultural and social significance, have been forced to witness the steady deterioration of the complex over thirty years of neglect. Many of the original decorative and architectural components of the site have been lost to decay, including the iconic wrought iron gates which have been progressively replaced by steel bars under the stewardship of BHS. Loitering, hawking and petty trading, are the uses of the square outside of formally organized events. The mis-aligned interests of the people, state, and capital have on multiple occasions caused the future of Tafawa Balewa Square, to be very precarious.[10]
Figure 8: The Original Brass Gates, TBS. Source: Owlcation.
Disinvestment in national infrastructures located in Lagos State by the federal government, has been prevalent since the relocation of Nigeria’s capital to Abuja, leading to the deterioration of the most treasured historical sites in Lagos, and often creating open disputes between the state and the federal government. The power of land trustee vested in the state government under the Nigerian constitution, provides leverage for negotiations between both parties in deciding the future of national buildings and complexes located in Lagos state.[11] Public-private partnerships often emerge as the compromise made between the Federal Government, who reduce sites such as Tafawa Balewa to assets on a spreadsheet that may be liquidated to mitigate the nations dire finances, and the State of Lagos whose urban aspirations are inspired by world-class ideals and aesthetics.
TBS, Iron bar gates. Source: The Punch Newspaper.
Across the city from TBS, At the end of Ozumba Mbadiwe street, at the point where Victoria Island meets Lekki Phase 1, and on a longitudinal, in-between old Ikoyi and Oniru, a different kind of urban center is situated. The Admiralty Circle Plaza is a vehicular toll gate on Lekki-Epe express way that exacts a fare on motorists travelling on either side of the highway. The toll gate which is owned and operated by a public-private partnership between Lagos state and the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), was funded by the African Development Bank, and commenced operations in 2011. Its name “Admiralty Circle Plaza” was given by state planning officials, who aspired to create a landmark of what was at the time, one of the most capital-intensive urban re-development projects in the city of Lagos. However, despite political propaganda to romanticize and endear the project to Lagosians, the Lekki Toll gate has been a site of contestation and discord since it’s inauguration.[12]
Satellite Image of Lagos featuring Admiralty Circle plaza. Source: Google Earth 2023
Resentment towards the toll gate stemmed from multiple factors, one being the initial lack of alternative routes for motorists who did not wish to pay a fare, making the toll a mandatory imposition on state residents for whom the expressway was a primary commute route. Further resentment stemmed from the intensification of vehicular traffic caused by the toll gate, in a part of the city that already had notoriously intense traffic congestions. [13] Another source of resentment was the notion that Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic capital, could not afford to pay the reported eighty-five million dollars that it cost to re-develop the expressway without imposing tolls on citizens to pay for the project, especially at a time when the state government was cracking down on civilian taxes.[14]
A lesser but not insignificant cause for resentment was the perceived part ownership of the toll gate by Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state and current president of Nigeria. These allegations have been openly rejected by President Bola Tinubu himself, who publicly claimed to have no investment in the Lekki Concession Company.[15] The billboards splashed across all LCC operated toll gates, are acknowledged to be owned and operated by Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Tinubu, through is media company, Loatsad Promo media LTD.[16] However true or false the allegations may be, the real ownership of the Lekki Concession Company remained shrouded in mystery, and abstract claims of international partnerships, until the company was taken over by the state government in 2021.[17]
Admiralty Circle Plaza. Source: Nairaland
A distrust has historically existed between the governed and the government in Lagos State, owing to a lack of transparency in affairs of governance, and the administration of the state budget. This is also owed to the propensity of the state government to utilize police and military force in imposing its ordinances on civilians, as was the case at the initial commencement of tolling at Admiralty Circle Plaza, leaving residents of the area who came out to protest the imposition, in need of urgent medical care.[18] Their lawsuits against the state, as with other lawsuits that were filed to contest tolling at the site, have gone unacknowledged and unaccounted for by the state.[19]
Admiralty Circle Plaza. Source: P.M. Express
To quell public resentment, and to address increased traffic congestion caused by the bottle neck created at the plaza, the Lekki Concession Company transitioned to digitized modes of payment in the form of prepaid toll cards or vehicle tags, an alternative to cash payments. These digital modes of payments ultimately became another mandatory imposition on all motorists passing through the toll gate, after their initial partial usage failed to decongest traffic.[20] Efforts made by LCC to manage public relations have had tepid effect on public sentiment, owing to the multiple toll fare increments that have been implemented since the launch of the toll gate.[21]
End SARS Protest. Source: Nora Awolowo
In October 2020 while the city of Lagos was easing out of COVID-19 lockdown, The Admiralty circle plaza became the primary site of demonstration for the End SARS protests. End SARS was a decentralized civilian movement that was conceived on twitter, and birthed in Lagos State, championed by Gen Z and millennial Nigerians in protest of police brutality at the hands of the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which was a specialized division of the Nigerian police department. The demands of the crowd funded movement to end SARS expanded to included justice for victims of police brutality, and improved salaries for policemen across the nation in order to circumvent their extortions and harassments of civilians. The End SARS movement found expression in the form of peaceful protests which happened across Nigeria and were echoed internationally.[22]
In Lagos state, occupation of Admiralty Circle Plaza was employed as a tactic to gain the attention of the government. During the twelve-day occupation which transformed the toll road into the public plaza that it aspired to be, the public utilized the site for a range of activates including but not limited to sleeping, dining, communing, worshipping, workshopping, strategizing and of course, protesting. The highway became a church and a mosque, a canteen, a bedroom, a board room, an office and more.[23] In the evening of October 20th, 2020, all streetlights around the plaza were turned off. The digital billboard splashed across the toll gate which had depicted advertisements campaigning the cause of the movement, paid for by supporters of End SARS, were also turned off, plunging the plaza into darkness. The only light sources were the phones and candles held by protesters. Subsequently, the miliary arrived, opening fire on the peaceful protesters, many of whom were on their knees singing the national anthem and waving Nigeria’s flag.[24]
Following the massacre, the outraged public demanded questions. The federal government commented that reports of shootings and killings were fake news. The state government said that it did not have the authority to deploy the Nigerian military. The Lekki Concession Company maintained that it turned off its billboards and CCTV cameras at the instruction of the state government.[25] The state government did not comment on this but staged a walkthrough of the plaza where a CCVT camera alleged to have evidence on it, was conveniently discovered three weeks after the toll gates had been burnt down.[26] Under growing demands for comment, the President at the time, Muhamad Buhari, a former military dictator of Nigeria from 1983-1985, came out of reclusion to acknowledge the allegations in an infamous speech that left Nigerians speechless.[27]
Tafawa Balewa Square and Admiralty Circle Plaza are separated by regimes, and while there are obvious differences between both sites, there are also significant parallels. As discussed, public space cannot be separated from politics in Lagos State. One site, born under colonialism and nurtured by dictatorship, still endures as place of social and cultural intersection. In a city where public conduct is prescribed and regulated by the government, the act of loitering itself becomes a form of protest. The other site, conceived with aspirations for publicness far grander what it’s infrastructure can accommodate, becomes a crude expression of the relationship between the state and its public. The choreography of payment and extraction becomes an event.
The extent to which the government is willing to permit chaos or disruption to either site before intervening, corresponds directly to the impact of such activities on the state’s revenue. The loiterers may make use of TBS, if their activities do not disrupt paid events. The people may make use of Admiralty circle plaza if their activities do not disrupt tolling. Excessive deviation from the status quo elicits a firm reminder that democracy is only theoretical. This is of course a critique of the plaza which is designed solely for vehicles and not for people, giving the plaza a few things to learn from TBS, accessible for informal recreational and commercial use, however criminalized, and formal events that are in some cases freely accessible to the public and in most, accessible for a fee.
Oréoluwa is a guest columnist at the Nation Newspaper. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from the Pratt Institute School of Architecture and a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design (STEM-designated) from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP).
She is a Project Management Professional (PMP), a Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD), and a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and a WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP). Her professional experiences span three continents and a broad range of scales—from detailed interior and building design, to complex urban and regional planning.
Oréoluwa has worked on a diverse array of projects in both the public and private sectors, including commercial, educational, industrial, hospitality and automotive developments.
A published researcher and educator, Oréoluwa has taught as an Adjunct Associate at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, where she is also a regular guest critic. Additionally, she has served as a juror and critic for various architectural design competitions.
References
1. “#endsars Movement: From Twitter to Nigerian Streets.” Amnesty International, July 29, 2021. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2021/02/nigeria-end-impunity-for-police-violence-by-sars-endsars/.
2. Anaba, Innocent. “Lekki Toll Gate: Residents Sue Lagos Govt, Police, LCC, Others over Alleged Beating.” Vanguard News, January 3, 2012. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/lekki-toll-gate-residents-sue-lagos-govt-police-lcc-others-over-alleged-beating/.
3. Augoye, Jayne. Premium Times – Nigeria leading newspaper for News, investigations. Accessed May 8, 2023. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/256956-lcc-increase-lekki-ikoyi-toll-fares.html.
4. Chocomilo, Sodiq Adewale. “I Have No Investment in Lekki Tollgate, Says Tinubu.” WITHIN NIGERIA, October 26, 2020. https://www.withinnigeria.com/2020/10/26/i-have-no-investment-in-lekki-tollgate-says-tinubu/.
5. “Christians and Muslims Pray Together at Lekki Toll Gate – Video.” Christians and Muslims pray together at Lekki Toll Gate – Video – Opera News. Accessed May 9, 2023. https://ng.opera.news/ng/en/religion/73c06dfeff153586ef17fb016ad92b8d.
6. Debe, Idonosan, and Rosemary Opara. “‘prove That Seyi Tinubu Does Not Own Lekki Toll Gate’ – Bode George.” The Lagos Today, February 19, 2021. https://thelagostoday.com/prove-that-seyi-tinubu-does-not-own-lekki-toll-gate-bode-george/.
7. Elumoye, Deji, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, and Emmanuel Addeh. “Buhari in Deafening Silence over Lekki Shootings, Urges End to Protests.” THISDAYLIVE Buhari in Deafening Silence over Lekki Shootings Urges End to Protests Comments. Accessed May 9, 2023. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/23/buhari-in-deafening-silence-over-lekki-shootings-urges-end-to-protests/.
8. Erezi, Dennis. “Lagos Judicial Panel Member Tackles Fashola over Camera Discovery at Lekki Toll Gate.” The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News, October 26, 2020. https://guardian.ng/news/lagos-judicial-panel-member-tackles-fashola-over-camera-discovery-at-lekki-toll-gate/.
9. Eribake, Akintayo. “Tension as Lagos Govt Insists on Toll Collection.” Vanguard News, December 16, 2011. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/12/tension-as-lagos-govt-insists-on-toll-collection/.
10. “How We Were Brutalised at Tollgate –Protesters.” Daily Post Nigeria, December 19, 2011. https://dailypost.ng/2011/12/19/how-we-were-brutalised-at-tollgate-%E2%80%93protesters/.
11. Ifeoluwa Akandea, Edikan M. Okonb, Oke Teminijesuc, Atirolaoluwa D. Olanrewajud , “Evaluation of Building Maintenance Strategies in Public Buildings: A Case of Onikan Area of Lagos State Nigeria,” International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews Vol 2, no 11 (2021), pp 20-29, www.ijrpr.com ISSN 2582-7421
12. Inyang, Ifreke. “Lekki Toll Gate Shooting: Seyi Tinubu’s Firm Explains Why Billboard Lights Were Switched Off.” Daily Post Nigeria, October 21, 2020. https://dailypost.ng/2020/10/21/lekki-toll-gate-shooting-seyi-tinubus-firm-explains-why-billboard-lights-were-switched-off/.
13. LAURENT FOURCHARD, “Lagos, Koolhaas and Partisan Politics in Nigeria,” International Journal of Urban and Regional Research 35, no. 1 (2010): pp. 40-56, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2427.2010.00938.x, 40-41.
14. “Lekki Expressway Toll Plaza, Lagosians Suffer 3 Months after Commencement of Shady Concession.” Sahara Reporters. Accessed May 8, 2023. https://saharareporters.com/2012/03/15/lekki-expressway-toll-plaza-lagosians-suffer-3-months-after-commencement-shady-concession.
16. Nan. “Lagos Assembly Approves Full Takeover of Lekki Concession Company.” The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News, August 9, 2021. https://guardian.ng/news/lagos-assembly-approves-full-takeover-of-lekki-concession-company/.
17. Natio, The. “Lagos’ll Reclaim TBS, Says Fashola.” The Nation Newspaper, September 23, 2015. https://thenationonlineng.net/lagosll-reclaim-tbs-says-fashola/.
18. “Nigeria: The Lekki Toll Gate Massacre – New Investigative Timeline.” Amnesty International, September 6, 2022. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/10/nigeria-the-lekki-toll-gate-massacre-new-investigative-timeline/.
19. Nwelih, Dominic. “‘“why We Want Lekki-Epe Expressway Concession Deal Reviewed.”’” Sahara Reporters. Accessed May 8, 2023. https://saharareporters.com/2010/09/01/%E2%80%98%E2%80%99why-we-want-lekki-epe-expressway-concession-deal-reviewed%E2%80%99%E2%80%99.
20. Oghifo, Bennett. Nigeria: Toll collection begins on Lekki Road – allafrica.com. Accessed May 7, 2023. https://allafrica.com/stories/201012160351.html.
21. Ogundeji, Josephine. “Tafawa Balewa Square: Years after Concession, World-Class Tourist Site Dream Fades.” Head Topics, March 23, 2023. https://headtopics.com/ng/tafawa-balewa-square-years-after-concession-world-class-tourist-site-dream-fades-37024735.
22. Ogundeji, Josephine. “Tafawa Balewa Square: Years after Concession, World-Class Tourist Site Dream Fades.” Punch Newspapers, March 22, 2023. https://punchng.com/tafawa-balewa-square-years-after-concession-world-class-tourist-site-dream-fades/?utm_source=headtopics&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=2023-03-23.
23. Ojo, Jide. “June 12, Nass and Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.” Punch Newspapers, June 12, 2019. https://punchng.com/june-12-nass-and-nigerias-fourth-republic/.
24. Report, Agency. “Cash Payment to End at Lekki Toll Plaza -Concessionaire.” Punch Newspapers, December 3, 2019. https://punchng.com/no-more-cash-payment-at-lekki-toll-plaza-concessionaire/.
25. Robert Sydney Smith, The Lagos Consulate, 1851-1861 (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2022).
[1] LAURENT FOURCHARD, “Lagos, Koolhaas and Partisan Politics in Nigeria,” International Journal of Urban and Regional Research 35, no. 1 (2010): pp. 40-56, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2427.2010.00938.x, 40-41.
[2] Robert Sydney Smith, The Lagos Consulate, 1851-1861 (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2022), 55.
[3] Ifeoluwa Akandea, Edikan M. Okonb, Oke Teminijesuc, Atirolaoluwa D. Olanrewajud , “Evaluation of Building Maintenance Strategies in Public Buildings: A Case of Onikan Area of Lagos State Nigeria,” International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews Vol 2, no 11 (2021), pp 20-29, www.ijrpr.com ISSN 2582-7421
[4] McKenna, Amy. “Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed May 7, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Abubakar-Tafawa-Balewa.
[5] Ojo, Jide. “June 12, Nass and Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.” Punch Newspapers, June 12, 2019. https://punchng.com/june-12-nass-and-nigerias-fourth-republic/.
[6] Ifeoluwa Akandea, Edikan M. Okonb, Oke Teminijesuc, Atirolaoluwa D. Olanrewajud , “Evaluation of Building Maintenance Strategies in Public Buildings: A Case of Onikan Area of Lagos State Nigeria,” International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews Vol 2, no 11 (2021), pp 20-29, www.ijrpr.com ISSN 2582-7421
[8] “’Tafawa Balewa Square Leased, Not Sold’.” The Nation Newspaper, June 8, 2015. https://thenationonlineng.net/tafawa-balewa-square-leased-not-sold/.
[9] Eribake, Akintayo. “Independence Building: FG Appoints Tib Advisor.” Vanguard News. Vanguard Media limited, October 30, 2014. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/10/independence-building-fg-appoints-tib-advisor/.
[10] Ogundeji, Josephine. “Tafawa Balewa Square: Years after Concession, World-Class Tourist Site Dream Fades.” Punch Newspapers, March 22, 2023. https://punchng.com/tafawa-balewa-square-years-after-concession-world-class-tourist-site-dream-fades/?utm_source=headtopics&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=2023-03-23.
[11] Natio, The. “Lagos’ll Reclaim TBS, Says Fashola.” The Nation Newspaper, September 23, 2015. https://thenationonlineng.net/lagosll-reclaim-tbs-says-fashola/.
[12]Eribake, Akintayo. “Tension as Lagos Govt Insists on Toll Collection.” Vanguard News, December 16, 2011. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/12/tension-as-lagos-govt-insists-on-toll-collection/.
[13] “Lekki Expressway Toll Plaza, Lagosians Suffer 3 Months after Commencement of Shady Concession.” Sahara Reporters. Accessed May 8, 2023. https://saharareporters.com/2012/03/15/lekki-expressway-toll-plaza-lagosians-suffer-3-months-after-commencement-shady-concession.
[14] Nwelih, Dominic. “”Why We Want Lekki-Epe Expressway Concession Deal Reviewed”.” Sahara Reporters. Accessed May 8, 2023. https://saharareporters.com/2010/09/01/‘’why-we-want-lekki-epe-expressway-concession-deal-reviewed’’
[15] Chocomilo, Sodiq Adewale. “I Have No Investment in Lekki Tollgate, Says Tinubu.” WITHIN NIGERIA, October 26, 2020. https://www.withinnigeria.com/2020/10/26/i-have-no-investment-in-lekki-tollgate-says-tinubu/.
[16] Debe, Idonosan, and Rosemary Opara. “‘prove That Seyi Tinubu Does Not Own Lekki Toll Gate’ – Bode George.” The Lagos Today, February 19, 2021. https://thelagostoday.com/prove-that-seyi-tinubu-does-not-own-lekki-toll-gate-bode-george/.
[17] Nan. “Lagos Assembly Approves Full Takeover of Lekki Concession Company.” The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News, August 9, 2021. https://guardian.ng/news/lagos-assembly-approves-full-takeover-of-lekki-concession-company/.
[18] “How We Were Brutalised at Tollgate –Protesters.” Daily Post Nigeria, December 19, 2011. https://dailypost.ng/2011/12/19/how-we-were-brutalised-at-tollgate-–protesters/
[19] Anaba, Innocent. “Lekki Toll Gate: Residents Sue Lagos Govt, Police, LCC, Others over Alleged Beating.” Vanguard News, January 3, 2012. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/lekki-toll-gate-residents-sue-lagos-govt-police-lcc-others-over-alleged-beating/.
[20] Report, Agency. “Cash Payment to End at Lekki Toll Plaza -Concessionaire.” Punch Newspapers, December 3, 2019. https://punchng.com/no-more-cash-payment-at-lekki-toll-plaza-concessionaire/.
[21] Augoye, Jayne. Premium Times – Nigeria leading newspaper for News, investigations. Accessed May 8, 2023. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/256956-lcc-increase-lekki-ikoyi-toll-fares.html.
[22] “#endsars Movement: From Twitter to Nigerian Streets.” Amnesty International, July 29, 2021. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2021/02/nigeria-end-impunity-for-police-violence-by-sars-endsars/.
[23] “Christians and Muslims Pray Together at Lekki Toll Gate – Video.” Christians and Muslims pray together at Lekki Toll Gate – Video – Opera News. Accessed May 9, 2023. https://ng.opera.news/ng/en/religion/73c06dfeff153586ef17fb016ad92b8d.
[24] “Nigeria: The Lekki Toll Gate Massacre – New Investigative Timeline.” Amnesty International, September 6, 2022. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/10/nigeria-the-lekki-toll-gate-massacre-new-investigative-timeline/.
[25] Inyang, Ifreke. “Lekki Toll Gate Shooting: Seyi Tinubu’s Firm Explains Why Billboard Lights Were Switched Off.” Daily Post Nigeria, October 21, 2020. https://dailypost.ng/2020/10/21/lekki-toll-gate-shooting-seyi-tinubus-firm-explains-why-billboard-lights-were-switched-off/.
[26] Erezi, Dennis. “Lagos Judicial Panel Member Tackles Fashola over Camera Discovery at Lekki Toll Gate.” The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News, October 26, 2020. https://guardian.ng/news/lagos-judicial-panel-member-tackles-fashola-over-camera-discovery-at-lekki-toll-gate/.
[27] Elumoye, Deji, Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale, and Emmanuel Addeh. “Buhari in Deafening Silence over Lekki Shootings, Urges End to Protests.” THISDAYLIVE Buhari in Deafening Silence over Lekki Shootings Urges End to Protests Comments. Accessed May 9, 2023. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/23/buhari-in-deafening-silence-over-lekki-shootings-urges-end-to-protests/.
Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board has said it will inaugurate Remembrance Arcade and Independence Garden next month.
Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, Managing Director, Lucia Shittu, said the initiative, which coincides with Independence Day, is part of the effort to restore TBS as a national heritage site and tourism hub.
Shittu noted the redesigned site would be a premier tourist destination, offering varying experiences for visitors.
The managing director said Lafarge Africa will complete the first phase of the redevelopment.
She added beyond the park and arcade, TBS will integrate e-sports, skills hub, and others for youths.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said restoration of the Independence site demonstrates the administration’s resolve to cultural renewal and national development.
“Nigeria will be hosting the International African Trade Fair (IATF) in 2027, and this marks the beginning of the transformation in Lagos State, especially with improvements in infrastructure and facilities at the National Theatre. This is a foretaste of more to come, ahead of IATF,” she said.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said upon completion of the rehabilitation to create an Independence Memorial Obelisk Garden, the site would be open to the public as a premier tourist attraction, adding to the vibrancy of Lagos.
With the project expected to be delivered by October 7, 2025, he said the first phase will focus on structural integrity, aesthetics, safety, and accessibility.
He explained: “The activities will involve a revamp of the monument while preserving the original design and texture; restoration of inscriptions, engravings, and symbolic carvings on the Obelisk; and rehabilitation of its immediate surroundings, including walkways, lawns, and paving. We will also install a drainage system and improved accessibility features, including ramps and pedestrian pathways.
“We take pride in this project because it is the preservation of Nigeria’s historical and cultural heritage, which should be passed down to future generations. It also allows us to promote sustainability and better living through the use of our eco-friendly cement products, which offer at least 30 per cent lower carbon emissions, thereby reducing environmental impact.”
The just-concluded ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos, without any iota of a doubt rekindled the bitter rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.
The event which ran for a week in Nigeria’s commercial capital, paraded The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria; saw the teams jostling for the two available slots that would take them to the main qualifiers.
After the keenly contested matches, Ghana and Nigeria eventually qualified for the next stage of the qualifiers which will hold in 2019, while Sierra Leone and The Gambia returned home empty handed.
The rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria dates back to circa 1904, when the Lagos Colony and Gold Coast Colony first played at the TBS Cricket Oval which ended in favour of Ghana.
Ever since then, both countries have literally been at “war’’ to affirm their supremacy in the sport.
In their first encounter at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers, fans came out in large numbers to watch both sides slug it out; in a tension-soaked match which ended in favour of Ghana.
The Ghanaian side fielded first and ensured that Nigeria was reduced in the first innings to 119runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs.
The second match which would have served as an avenue for Nigeria to avenge the defeat in the first match, turned out to be a bitter pill for fans.
Just like it was in 1904, Ghana once again affirmed her supremacy over Nigeria at the same venue where the rivalry started 114years ago, with 4 wickets to complete a double and emerged champions of the qualifying tournament.
At the end, Ghana finished with 11 points, Nigeria settled for 8 points, while Sierra Leone and Gambia had five points and two points respectively.
Eugene King, the Team Manager of Ghana, said it was a perfect victory for his team due to the war of supremacy between both countries in cricket.
King said his team was able to capitalise on the mistakes of their rivals to record their second win against Nigeria and topped the ICC qualifying event.
“This is a perfect victory for us, winning our first and second match against Nigeria in this qualifiers is a good boost for the team.
“Nigeria has always had the upper hand against the Ghanaian team in the past, but I think the tide has turned in our favour,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Chimezie Onwuzulike, the Captain of Team Nigeria, said he was not happy with the outcome of the matches played against Ghana.
Onwuzulike said the two defeats will not diminish the team’s morale, adding that qualifying for the main Africa qualifiers slated for 2019 was a consolation for the players.
“In every game there must be a winner and losers, we will go back to the drawing board and re-strategise.
“But the good thing is that we have qualified from the North-Western Sub-Regional Zone, we are grateful to the Nigeria Cricket Federation ( NCF ) for its support,’’ he said.
Prior to the event, the NCF board set up committees piloted by Uyi Akpata, the Vice-president of NCF to ensure a hitch-free event and they performed creditably.
The event which was the first of its kind for the country, was a leverage for the Prof. Adam Yahaya-Ukwenya-led board in its bid to popularise the sport.
As part of the buildup to the event, the TBS cricket oval was given a much needed facelift that was befitting for an event of the magnitude of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers.
Also, the NCF sealed a sponsorship deal with one of Nigeria’s leading, indigenous oil companies — Eroton Exploration and Production Company Ltd.
The NCF president said that the hosting of the event was a plus for the game in the country.
“It is unprecedented in our cricket history for Nigeria to be given hosting rights for the qualifying ICC T20 tournament.
“It’s a measure of confidence on the new board of NCF and Nigeria.
“We are building a team for the future and we have this same level of freshness running through all our national teams,’’ he said.
Kuben Pillay, an ICC Africa Representative, said the body was pleased with what the NCF had achieved within a short period to stage the event.
Pillay said that the country was in the best position to host the sub-regional qualifiers owing to the commitment and determination of the NCF in improving the standard of the game.
“I am proud of what has happened in the last few months, I remember what I saw when I visited in March for facility inspection and what is on ground now.
“This only shows that the federation is ready to take cricket to the next level in the region, and the ICC is ready to work with the body with the aim of developing the sport in Africa,’’ he said.
In the same vein, Michael Aboagye, Captain of the Ghanaian side, said the organisation of the event was a huge success and commended the NCF for the effort.
“The qualifiers was well organised by the host and I believe they have put in a lot to achieve this,’’ he said.
Mohamed Monsaray, Captain of the Sierra Leone team, said that the logistics put in place was good for the ICC event.
“The reception, atmosphere and movement of participants from the venue to hotel and security was well executed without any hitch,’’ he said.
Also, Tayo Atoloye, who played in the national team for 12 years, said there had been a positive change in the sport since the inception of the new board last year.
Atoloye, who is the Vice-Chairman of the Oyo State Cricket Association, said that it was long overdue for the country to host an ICC event, adding that the effort of the NCF had paid off.
“There is a lot of development in the administration of cricket in the past few months, which is a positive sign for the sport and I hope they won’t relent.
“The board has gone the extra mile to ensure the country hosts this event for the first time in our history, because it is long overdue to host an ICC competition,’’ he said.
With all the accolades heaped on the NCF, one would expect that the same effort will be adopted to prepare the national team players tactically as they continue their bid to qualify for the Twenty20 Cup in Australia.
Cricket: Five NCF officials to participate in ICC advanced programme Igwilo said that the programmes when completed would keep the participants abreast with current trends in the sport.
‘’We have good coaches and umpires in the country, but there is the need to further expose them in order to be in tune with what is happening at the international level.
‘’The closest place within our reach is South Africa and they will also learn from cricket South Africa.
‘’The programme will be in two batches, a coach and umpire selected by the NCF will go for the first batch of training, while two coaches and umpire from Edo State will attend the second batch.
‘’We urge more states to emulate Edo State and also send their coaches to such programmes for the growth of the sport in the country.”
On Nigeria’s preparation for the T-20 ICC Sub- Regional qualifiers holding from April 16-22 in Lagos, the Manager said that preparation was in top gear.
‘’The federation has put all the necessary logistics in place to ensure a hitch free event for participants.
‘’The Local Organising Committee, led by our amiable Vice-President, Uyi Akpata are working round the clock to ensure that we host the region,’’ he said.
Our reporters, reports that an ICC representative in Africa, Kuben Pillay carried out an inspection of the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket pitch in Lagos on March 2, ahead of the qualifiers.
Ghana, Sierra Leona, the Gambia and host Nigeria will participate in the qualifiers.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu have warned Lagos Islanders against acts of violence during the Eyo festival on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the duo gave the warning on Thursday when Owoseni visited the Lagos monarch at Iga Iduganran.
The visit was in preparation for the Lagos@50 Eyo Festival which will hold on Saturday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The police commissioner warned the Eyo masqueraders against violence, adding that any masquerader caught would face the wrath of the law.
Owoseni also urged Lagos islanders to maintain law and order during the festival.
He advised leaders of the masquerader groups to provide names of four persons from each group that would assist the police for proper identification.
The police commissioner added that reflective jackets would be provided for those selected to assist security agents.
Earlier, the monarch said that any masquerader that took law into his hands, causing unnecessary unrest would be handed over to the police.
“Lagos@50 celebration is a thing of joy for us to thank Almighty Allah. I remembered the day the creation of Lagos State was announced, we were indeed very happy.
“On the second day, a boat was brought here and we left for the Bar Beach with all the chiefs; every Lagosian should be grateful to almighty Allah for the celebration.
“Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Mobolaji Johnson, previous governors and all those who contributed to the creation of the state, particularly Teslim Elias, were there,’’ Akiolu recalled.
He noted that about 262 years before the arrival of the British, Lagos was administered by the traditional rulers.
The traditional leader said that he had directed the head of the Eyo Masqueraders, otherwise known as “Adimu Orisa’’, to perform their usual display at the TBS square.
“We love peace in Lagos and we embrace everybody for it. I have directed the head of the Eyo to restrict the celebration to the TBS because it is spacious,’’ he said.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos yesterday granted the High Court of Lagos State the jurisdiction to determine the ownership of the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.
The Lagos State Government, in suit No. M/940/2009, Attorney General of Lagos State vs. BHS International Limited & three others, pending at the High Court of Lagos State, had challenged the concessionary rights purportedly given to a private company, BHS International Limited, to manage, re-develop or rehabilitate the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) without the state’s authority or knowledge. The said concession was carried out by the Federal Government on October 17, 2007 during the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration.
BHS International Limited, Attorney General of the Federation and other Defendants in the suit by way of preliminary objections in the lower court had challenged the jurisdiction of the Lagos State High Court to entertain the suit. Justice Atinuke Ipaye on October 8, 2012 had ruled that the High Court of Lagos State has jurisdiction to entertain the case.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, BHS International Limited and Attorney General of the Federation in their various appeals numbers: CA/L/914/12, BHS International Limited vs. Attorney General of Lagos State & three others and CA/L/287M/13, Attorney General of the Federation vs. Attorney General of Lagos State & three others, filed their various appeals against the Ruling.
The Court of Appeal in a unanimous decision, dismissed the appeals and affirmed the ruling of the High Court of Lagos State that it has jurisdiction to entertain the case.
With yesterday’s ruling, the coast is now clear for the High Court of Lagos State to continue with the hearing of the matter which has been stalled since 2012.
Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), a facility owned by the Federal Government, was not sold but concessioned to BHS International, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Otunba Olu Adenodi, has said.
Adenodi, who spoke with The Nation, said the complex remains the property and commonwealth of all Nigerians held in trust by the government, but leased to BHS under the privatisation policy.
He said the clarification became necessary because the statement of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola that the was sold sent wrong signals to the firm’s foreign investors and technical partners.
“The concession of TBS to BHS International Limited is for 30 years during which BHS is expected to make annual payment of up to N100million to the Federal Government,” he explained. He however declined to disclose how much his firm paid for the concession.
Adenodi recalled that before BHS International took over the TBS, the complex provided a haven for miscreants, street urchins and hoodlums, who used the place as a hide out to perpetrate various social vices in central Lagos.
Since the concession in 2008, Adenodi contends, his firm has been upgrading the facilities in the complex, creating employment for Nigerians in the process, paying taxes to the government, generating income for the Federal Government and keeping the environment clean and safe.
He said his company plans to transform TBS into a ‘world-class city’ centre which he reckons, would be the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa. He said the proposed city centre will be modelled after Sandton City Centre of South Africa and the Dubai Trade Centre.
The TBS, in its new form under BHS management, will be fitted with modern facilities, a huge shopping mall of about 1,500 shopping/office spaces; a three star hotel with all tourism and entertainment potentials that would provide accommodation for high brow customers; a 1,500 capacity auditorium; office complex; events hall with restaurants and snack bars; observatory towers; automated pre-fabricated two level underground car parks of about 10,000 spaces under the existing parade ground and two level underground car parks under the existing parking to the rear.
Adenodi disclosed that the project would cost $2 billion and would offer 10,000 jobs to Nigerians on completion. “We have foreign investors and technical partners who are eager to finance the project. The project will take three to five years to complete,” he said.
But seven years after BHS took possession of the complex, nothing concrete, in terms of physical development, has been done on the complex, a situation that is of concern to other stakeholders.
So far, only the preparation of comprehensive perimeter and topographic survey plans of the entire complex; detailed site study on the relationship of the existing buildings to be retained and those to be demolished to give way for the new physical developments; preparation of schematic site development plan showing the new proposal as integral part of the existing buildings to be retained; and preparation of schematic architectural design concepts for all the building types as integral part of the building to be retained, are said to have been completed by BHS. Other steps it has taken include the preparation of the schematic civil/structural engineering design concepts for all the building types as integral part of the buildings to be retained; preparation of the schematic of electro-mechanical engineering design concept for all the building types as integral of the buildings to retain; preparation of feasibility/viability study reports; preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and construction of electricity controlled model.
It had all started like a mere passing comment by Fasola who while addressing a gathering at a book launch in Victoria Island, had assured that Lagos State would reclaim the TBS from the firm it was “sold” to by the Federal Government.
In line with the Federal Government’s privatisation policy, TBS was concessioned in 2008, with other Federal Government facilities nationwide, such as Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill, Kainji Dam, the National Trade Fair Complex and the National Theatre.
The TBS complex sits on 14.5 hectares of land, consisting a main bowl, large parade ground with stretched galleries and a 375-shop/office complex.
