The Lagos State government has announced plans to regulate and administer informal spaces across the state, as part of its effort to promote orderly urban development and improve physical planning. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader physical planning mandate and the principles outlined in the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019 (as amended).

In a press briefing, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, outlined the Ministry’s strategic direction for the coming year, focusing on how the administration intends to address the growing challenges posed by informal spaces.

Informal Spaces: A Growing Challenge

Dr. Olumide explained that informal spaces are public open areas, such as road setbacks, walkways, under-bridge zones, drainage corridors, and undeveloped government lands, that are not designated for permanent use. Over time, these areas have become increasingly occupied without official planning approval. The uncontrolled usage of such spaces has raised significant concerns, including risks to public safety, mobility, and the environment.

Strategic Administration for Orderly Growth

The Lagos State government is prepared to invoke the powers granted by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law to regulate these informal spaces. Dr. Olumide emphasized that this move aims to strengthen land-use planning, curb unregulated activities, and foster integrated urban development.

“The Law mandates the Ministry to regulate land-use management, development coordination, and spatial activities across the State, and this includes overseeing informal spaces,” he explained. The ultimate goal is to enhance urban aesthetics, improve functionality of public spaces, and ensure the integrity of the physical environment.

Engagement with Stakeholders

The Ministry is planning extensive engagement with various stakeholders, including government agencies, market associations, transport unions, community leaders, and other interest groups. This collaboration will be crucial to ensuring cooperation, compliance, and shared ownership of the initiative. Dr. Olumide highlighted that the engagement will not only be regulatory but strategic, aiming to create a more livable and functional urban environment.

Expected Benefits

Regulating informal spaces is expected to lead to significant improvements in mobility, safety, and environmental quality, while also enhancing the overall liveability of Lagos. The initiative will contribute to achieving the State’s vision of becoming a resilient, inclusive, and well-planned megacity.

The Commissioner emphasized that the Ministry is committed to using professional planning tools, inter-agency collaboration, and community participation to ensure that this initiative is carried out in a transparent, lawful, and sustainable manner.