By Lagos, Nigeria- The Lagos State Government announced this morning that it has commenced collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure proper documentation, planning, and management of informal spaces across the state.
The government said the disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, at a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held in Alausa and organised by Octragon Multi Project Limited.
According to the government, Dr Oluyinka said the initiative is aimed at documenting setbacks, open areas, and common spaces for proper designation and use in line with planning standards.
The government said the Commissioner explained that several cleared setbacks and common areas had remained idle or were re encroached due to the absence of proper planning and documentation.
It said Dr Oluyinka disclosed that Lagos State has an estimated 3,000 hectares of informal spaces and stressed the need for proper planning to ensure sustainable use.
The Lagos State Government said the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr Oluwole Sotire, noted that the programme would enhance environmental quality through better planning and use of informal spaces.
The government said the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mr Babatunde Onigbanjo, emphasised that the initiative should benefit residents without undermining their livelihoods.
According to the government, the representative of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Adedeji Aladegbemi, appealed that informal spaces meant for sports development be allocated to the Commission.
The Lagos State Government said the General Manager, Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority, Tpl Daisi Oso, stated that proper planning and management of informal spaces would improve youth engagement.
It added that the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Mr Babatunde Ajayi, expressed readiness to collaborate on environmental regulation, including recycling initiatives and public toilet facilities.
The government said the consultant, Engr Gbolahan Awolesi, disclosed that Octragon Multi Project Limited was mandated to document informal spaces across Lagos State in line with international best practices.
