Lagos partners MTN to transform Obalende under-bridge into eco-friendly park

The Lagos state government has partnered with telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria to redevelop the long-degraded Obalende under-bridge area into a modern, secure, and sustainable transport hub.

The initiative tagged: ‘Y’ELLO Bus Park’, aims to reclaim a public space previously plagued by insecurity, illegal activities, and environmental neglect, turning it into a functional facility that prioritizes commuter safety, community needs, and urban sustainability.

Announcing the project on Tuesday, Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos state commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, emphasized the government’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure and public spaces.

“This redevelopment will convert what was once a notorious and degraded space into a functional, secure and community-centred facility. The Y’ELLO Bus Park will feature an organised and regulated transport terminal, a recycling drop-off station, a road camp for LAWMA sweepers and security agencies, over 60 public toilet fixtures, kiosks, and other essential amenities designed to serve Lagosians,” Wahab stated.

The design incorporates advanced safety and environmental features, including solar-powered lighting to enhance nighttime visibility, reduce blind spots, and support CCTV surveillance to deter crime.

A biodigester system will manage wastewater sustainably, while a dedicated recycling station promotes responsible waste disposal and discourages illegal dumping.

In alignment with climate goals, the project includes solar panels for energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, alongside extensive tree planting to improve air quality and aesthetics.

The Lagos state government described the Y’ELLO Bus Park as part of its broader strategy to reclaim public spaces statewide, repositioning them as safe, productive assets that boost economic activity, urban mobility, and quality of life.

“This project reflects our determination to make Lagos cleaner, safer and more resilient, while ensuring that public infrastructure works for the people in a modern and responsible way,” Wahab added.

The redevelopment follows recent efforts to clear squatters and illegal structures from the Obalende under-bridge area, signaling a renewed push for orderly urban renewal in one of Lagos Island’s key commercial zones.

The partnership with MTN underscores growing public-private collaboration in addressing infrastructure challenges, with construction and implementation details expected to follow as the project advances.

Royal Ibeh is a senior journalist with years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s technology and health sectors. She currently covers the Technology and Health beats for BusinessDay newspaper, where she writes in-depth stories on digital innovation, telecom infrastructure, healthcare systems, and public health policies.

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