The Lagos State Government has begun construction of an ultra-modern shopping mall on the site of the old Pelewura iron market in Lagos Island.
At the groundbreaking event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Abiodun, described the project as a revival for the area.
“One of the things we take as priority is to ensure every part of Lagos meets the standard of the 20th-century city. That’s why we are constructing a mall here. We have named it Lagos Island Iron Mall because the land was formerly occupied by iron sellers,” he said.
Dr. Abiodun added that the project will give residents access to modern facilities. “So building a mall is to ensure people in Lagos Island have standard cinemas, big supermarkets, and other amenities. We are bringing life back to this neighbourhood,” he said.
A New Face for Lagos Island
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said the mall is part of a bigger regeneration plan.
“We just concluded a model plan of Lagos Island, which calls for total regeneration. So, the mall is part of the plan. The ministry is to ensure the mall is built according to the standard. Soon we will have a stakeholders’ meeting,” he said.
The Chairman of Lagos Island Local Council Development Area, Folawiyo Alade, also spoke on the significance of the project. “We are bringing back the glory of Lagos Island. The construction duration is expected to be within a year. We chose the location for the mall because it’s beside the expressway from the Third Mainland Bridge and also on the road to the palace of Oba Akiolu,” he said.
Community Support
The ceremony drew prominent figures, including Adekunle Sego, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of NURTW, Architect Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, and APC leader Fuad Oki.
Supporters say the new Lagos Island Iron Mall will boost local commerce, create jobs, and transform the look of a historic Lagos hub. But some wonder — can this project truly revive the cultural and commercial heartbeat of Lagos Island?
For context, Lagos has been pursuing urban renewal projects to modernise markets and expand retail options, echoing efforts seen in global cities.
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