The Lagos State government has officially commenced construction on the highly anticipated Epe Mixed Development Scheme and Labour City.
The proposed Epe development initiative is designed as both a site-and-service scheme and a private sector-led project, aimed at addressing the rapid growth of unauthorized and haphazard developments in the area.
Olakunle Aboyeji, General Manager of the New Towns Development Authority (NTDA), stated that the project was driven by the need to tackle significant contraventions and unregulated developments within Epe. During a stakeholders’ meeting held at Epe Resort in the Epe local council, Aboyeji sought the cooperation of the residents and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the success of the project.
“The purpose of the authority is to control the spread of illegal developments, prevent encroachment, and provide essential infrastructure that will benefit the people,” said Aboyeji. He further explained that the project would enhance the area’s physical characteristics and ensure the seamless transfer of land possession to the state government.
The scheme, as outlined by Project Director of Town Planning Services, Olusola Orebiyi, is divided into three phases. The first phase includes eight zones, covering approximately 7.81 hectares located between Itoikin Road and the Epe-Ijebu Ode Expressway. Orebiyi emphasized that the project will provide critical infrastructure, including roads, drainage, electricity, and water systems, which will greatly benefit the community.
Stakeholders were urged to actively participate and contribute innovative ideas to enhance the project’s impact. The Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamal Olowoshago, encouraged the public to take ownership of the project, while the Chairman of the House Committee on Land Matters, Hon. Olayinka Kazeem, called for alignment with the development plan to ensure local residents are well-informed and actively engaged.
Representatives Hon. Abiodun Tobun and Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu stressed the importance of granting local residents privileges to foster a sense of belonging. The stakeholders at the forum agreed that the Epe Mixed Development Scheme is a legacy project, one that will require unity across Epe, Ibeju Lekki, and Lagos as a whole to bring it to fruition.
