Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the deployment of PPP in the Lekki toll road and Tejuosho market (re)construction projects and seeks to tease out key learnings from the tensions between public and private interests and its implications for governance and inclusive development.

Paper long abstract:

Public-private partnerships (PPP) have been identified as an efficient route to achieving urban development. To this end, the Lagos state government has embarked on a series of development policies and PPP projects aimed at strategically positioning the city to attract investment opportunities and achieve her vision of being Africa's model megacity and global economic and financial hub. In many of these projects, private capital and expertise often funds and implements public services. However, many of the recent PPPs have resulted in negative socio-spatial consequences for Lagos residents. Though PPPs have been deployed in practically every sector of governance, this paper specifically explores the deployment of PPP in the Lekki toll road and Tejuosho market (re)construction projects. The paper seeks to address the following questions: What power dynamics are at play? How successful are these projects? Whose interest are prioritized? What are the implications of PPP projects on the emerging urban form of Lagos? While it is necessary to explore private sector participation for urban development projects, this paper seeks to tease out key learnings from the tensions between public and private interests and its implications for governance and inclusive development.