The Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has completed the long-awaited relocation of the Okobaba sawmill from its old site in Ebute Metta to a new, purpose-built facility known as Timberville, located in Agbowa-Ikosi.
Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, announced the development during a Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa, Ikeja. He highlighted that the relocation, a project that had been in the works for more than ten years, has now been successfully finalized under the current administration.
According to Dr. Babatunde, the Timberville, complex is fully operational and offers modern amenities to the sawmill operators. The facility includes 204 band saw sheds, an equal number of sales offices, 260 two-bedroom apartments, a log preparation area, a boom zone, 200 auxiliary sheds, and eight 500KVA power transformers to support operations.
He further stated that the government has begun implementing a regeneration plan for the original Okobaba site to revitalize the area following the sawmill’s move. Efforts are also ongoing to address the relocation of other urban markets across Lagos, with the state government prioritizing these initiatives.
This move is expected to improve working conditions for sawmill operators while also contributing to the sustainable development of Lagos State’s urban areas.