In a move that blends urban renewal with sustainability goals, the Lagos State Government has partnered with MTN Nigeria to transform the long-neglected Obalende under-bridge into an eco-friendly, secure bus terminal designed to serve commuters and the surrounding community.
The project, branded the Y’ELLO Bus Park, is aimed at reclaiming a public space that for years symbolised urban decay, marked by insecurity, illegal activities and poor waste management, and converting it into a regulated transport hub that supports climate resilience and improved quality of life.
Speaking at the project announcement recently, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the redevelopment reflects Lagos’ commitment to sustainable infrastructure and people-centred urban planning.
“What was once a notorious and degraded space is being reimagined as a functional, secure and community-centred facility,” Wahab said. “The Y’ELLO Bus Park will include an organised transport terminal, a recycling drop-off point, a road camp for LAWMA sweepers and security agencies, more than 60 public toilet fixtures, kiosks and other essential amenities for Lagosians.”
From a sustainability perspective, the project integrates multiple green design elements. Solar-powered lighting will improve nighttime visibility while reducing energy demand and supporting CCTV surveillance for crime prevention. A biodigester system is planned to treat wastewater sustainably, cutting environmental pollution, while a dedicated recycling station is expected to encourage proper waste disposal and curb illegal dumping.
The bus park will also feature solar panels to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on grid electricity, alongside extensive tree planting to enhance air quality, provide shade and improve the visual appeal of the area.
State officials say the initiative aligns with Lagos’ broader climate and urban renewal agenda, which seeks to reclaim underutilised public spaces and reposition them as productive assets that support mobility, economic activity and environmental health.
“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 clearance of squatters and illegal structures around the Obalende under-bridge, signalling a renewed push for orderly development in one of Lagos Island’s busiest commercial corridors.
For sustainability advocates, the partnership highlights the growing role of public-private collaboration in addressing Nigeria’s urban infrastructure challenges. With MTN’s involvement, the Y’ELLO Bus Park is being positioned not just as a transport facility, but as a model for how climate-conscious design can be embedded into everyday urban spaces.
Construction timelines and implementation details are expected to be announced as the project progresses.
