FG upgrades Tafawa Balewa Square ahead of Intra-African Trade Fair

  Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, yesterday hinted that Lagos State will witness a significant infrastructure development ahead of the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). Last week, Lagos State was nominated by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) […]

 

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, yesterday hinted that Lagos State will witness a significant infrastructure development ahead of the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).

Last week, Lagos State was nominated by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, as the host city for the 2027 IATF.

Ahead of the international event, the Minister said the host city will witness an improvement in infrastructure and facilities.

Oduwole spoke in Lagos on Tuesday at a media briefing announcing the Phase One Development Launch of the Tafawa Balewa Square which involves the rehabilitation of the Independence Memorial Obelisk.

The project is being executed by the TBS Management Board in partnership with Lafarge Africa Plc under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

In her remarks, the Minister described the project as a remarkable PPP arrangement, saying it signals commencement of the infrastructure rebuilding in Lagos ahead of the trade fair.

According to her, the fair will be hosted at the national theatre, Lagos which is a stone throw from Tafawa Balewa Square, adding that the TBS facility will also be used for part of that trade fair.

She added that restoration of the independent site signals President Bola Tinubu administration’s seriousness, and commitment to a Nigeria first intervention.

The GMD/CEO of Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said through the project the organisation contributes to the monument’s preservation and enhancement.

He added that on completion, the site will be accessible to the public as a premier tourist attraction, adding to the vibrancy of Lagos.

“The activities would involve a revamp of the monument while preserving the original design and texture; a restoration of the inscriptions, engravings, or symbolic carvings on the Obelisk; and rehabilitation of the immediate surroundings of the Obelisk, including walkways, lawns, and paving, as well as installation of a drainage system, and improved accessibility features, including ramps, or pedestrian pathways,” he said.

The Managing Director/CEO of TBS Management Board, Lucia Shittu said the first phase will be completed on or before October 1, 2025, in time for Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration.

“Historically, the Tafawa Balewa Square has been a symbol of Nigeria’s independence and democracy, where the Union Jack was lowered, and the Nigerian flag was hoisted for the first time. An obelisk, adorned with carvings of prominent national heroes, has already been erected at the site,” Shittu said.

She explained that the TBSMB vision with the partnership is to unify the historic landmarks into a world-class Remembrance Arcade Park and Independence Memorial Obelisk Garden.

 

 

 

Shittu added that the redesigned site will serve as a premier tourist destination, offering a variety of activities and experiences for all visitors.