How Lagos City Hall came alive again

Sometimes in early 1964, Lagos Town Council commissioned a firm of Israeli Architect, Messrs, AMY Architects Engineering Consultants Limited to draw up the plan of a Town Hall befitting Lagos that was then the Federal Capital of Nigeria. The drawing was completed around October 1964, when Tenders were invited from building contractors. There were about […]

Sometimes in early 1964, Lagos Town Council commissioned a firm of Israeli Architect, Messrs, AMY Architects Engineering Consultants Limited to draw up the plan of a Town Hall befitting Lagos that was then the Federal Capital of Nigeria. The drawing was completed around October 1964, when Tenders were invited from building contractors.

There were about seven building contractors, who tendered for the erection of the building, but the contract was awarded in December 1964 to Messrs. Reynolds Construction Limited. The contractor started proper work in August 1965. Record have it that the actual construction was carried out by Messrs. Nigersol Construction Limited.

The initial plan was for the hall to be completed within two years but the crisis in the country deterred the progress of the work, apart from sharp criticisms against construction of the Town Hall from many quarters. On July 20, 1970, the edifice was declared open by the then Military Administrator of Lagos, Brigadier general Mobolaji Johnson.

But 30 years after it was commissioned for public use, the Lagos City Hall was gutted by a mysterious fire. It was renovated and handed back to the Lagos Island Local Government authority last Tuesday amidst pomp and pageantry among indigenes of Lagos.

Speaking at the ceremony which drew the crème de la crème of the society like former Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu under whose administration the rehabilitation work started, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, National Chairman of the Action Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, first military Governor, Rtd General Mobolaji Johnson, first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba and others, Governor Babatunde Fashola said the new City Hall would become the newest address for entertainment and tourism.

The governor added that the hall would also serve as a reference point for social engagements and business and would be managed on behalf of the State and Local Government by a team of Nigerian consultants. He added that the team would receive bookings and ensure maintenance of security around the building.

Also speaking during the event, former Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu under whom the reconstruction commenced in 2007 said it is a thing of great joy that the Action Congress has succeeded in restoring the dignity of the City Hall as it promised then.

He thanked all Lagosians for believing in him even when many cynics thought it was impossible to bring back the City Hall. He thanked them for supporting with their votes and making it possible for the contractors to work without inhibitions.

Also speaking, the first Military Governor of Lagos, Rtd General Mobolaji Johnson called for the adoption of maintenance culture by the people so that the City Hall can remain in good state.

General Johnson who recalled that the commissioning of the city was one of his first assignments said it was a thing of great joy that it has been restored to a beautiful state.