Lagos Partners MTN to Transform Obalende Under-Bridge into Y’ELLO Bus Park

The Lagos State Government has announced a strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria to redevelop the Obalende under-bridge into a modern, secure and sustainable transport hub, as part of its wider urban renewal drive.

The facility, to be known as the Y’ELLO Bus Park, will feature solar-powered lighting, CCTV surveillance, a regulated transport terminal and commuter-focused amenities aimed at improving safety and convenience in one of Lagos’ busiest districts.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed details of the project on Tuesday, describing it as a key component of the state’s efforts to reclaim public spaces and eliminate unsafe activities.

“This redevelopment will convert what was once a notorious and degraded space into a functional, secure, and community-centred facility,” Wahab stated on X.

He said the initiative aligns with the state government’s broader agenda to enhance urban security, promote responsible city living and improve the daily commuting experience for residents.

For years, the Obalende under-bridge has been associated with congestion, informal settlements and security challenges. The redevelopment is intended to reverse this narrative by transforming the area into a purpose-built transport hub that combines safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability.

According to the state government, the Y’ELLO Bus Park will incorporate solar-powered lighting to improve night-time visibility and energy efficiency, as well as solar-powered CCTV systems to monitor activities and support law enforcement. The facility will also include a regulated transport terminal designed to ease passenger movement and reduce traffic congestion.

Additional amenities will include more than 60 public toilet fixtures, kiosks and vendor spaces to support commuters, alongside a recycling drop-off station and a biodigester system to encourage responsible waste management. A road camp for officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and security agencies will help ensure cleanliness and safety, while tree planting and landscaping are expected to improve air quality and enhance the area’s visual appeal.

The project underscores Lagos State’s commitment to climate-conscious urban development, with a focus on renewable energy and environmentally friendly infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.

The Y’ELLO Bus Park initiative also complements broader efforts to strengthen urban security across Lagos. Recently, the Federal Government, in partnership with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), completed a N40 billion CCTV centre on the Third Mainland Bridge. The facility is equipped with 240 solar panels, 10 inverters, a 300KVA transformer and a standby generator, enabling round-the-clock monitoring of traffic and enforcement of road safety regulations.

MTN’s involvement brings private-sector expertise and technology into the project, ensuring the transport hub is integrated with modern communication and safety systems. The collaboration reflects a growing trend in Nigeria towards public-private partnerships as a means of upgrading infrastructure, leveraging digital innovation and improving service delivery.

Beyond its transport function, the redevelopment is designed to create a community-focused public space. Residents and commuters are expected to benefit from cleaner, safer and more organised facilities, while the integration of renewable energy and waste management systems is intended to promote environmentally responsible behaviour.

“This initiative is about transforming Lagos into a city where public spaces are safe, organized, and accessible to everyone,” Wahab noted. “By combining sustainable infrastructure with community-focused design, we are setting a new standard for urban transport hubs in Nigeria.”

As Lagos continues to expand as a megacity with rising commuter traffic, projects such as the Y’ELLO Bus Park highlight how strategic partnerships can reshape urban infrastructure, improve public safety and enhance everyday life. Once completed, the Obalende transport hub is expected to serve as a model for other cities in Nigeria and across Africa, demonstrating how sustainability, technology and thoughtful urban planning can come together to create safer and more liveable urban spaces.