- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has given reasons for the delay in commencement of the proposed fourth mainland bridge and alternative airport projects.
The governor disclosed this during an interview on Politics Today program aired by Channels TV on Wednesday.
On the fourth mainland bridge project, Sanwo-Olu cited financial constraints as the cause of its delay.
He explained that every other measures have been put in place for the construction of the bridge proposed to run from Ajah and cross to Ibeshe area of Ikorodu.
He, however admitted to lack of finance to fund the project while revealing that the state government held talk with concessionaires, but could not meet with their terms of agreement.
“It is money. We have done everything regarding the fourth mainland bridge. The fourth mainland bridge supposed to be from Ajah and cross to Ibeshe in Ikorodu.
“We have done extensive work, the alignment, everything has been done- hydrographic study, geographic study, viability study, the feasibility study.
“Everything is on the table. It is just, ‘show me the money’. For me, we have to live responsibly.
“We had concessionaires whom we sat with. Unfortunately, the kind of request that they are asking of us, we cannot grant it.
“They are asking for a sovereign guarantee. I’m a subnational not a sovereign. So it is a difficult call.
“I cannot just walk to Honourable Minister of Finance and say give me a sovereign guarantee.
“It doesn’t work like that. It has to be negotiated and something they also need to carry in their pocket. It is a fairly long conversation for you to get to that.” Sanwo-Olu explained.
On the alternative airport proposed to be built at Lekki, the governor explained that there are terms and engagement yet to be met for the commencement of the project.
“With the airport, that is a more fairly straightforward investment decision. We want to have our skin in the game.
“We are also planning to raise investment. But we need to also work with the Federal Government. So we have meetings planned out with FAAN, NCA, with Federal Ministry of Aviation. So we have approval given to us.
“But it is more than just approval. There are some vital rules and engagement that need to take place.” Sanwo-Olu added.