Lagos Sensitises MDA's On Informal Space Management

The Lagos State Government has commenced strategic collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure proper documentation, planning, and management of informal spaces across the State. The initiative is being driven by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held in Alausa. He explained that the programme aims to systematically document setbacks, open areas, and common spaces to ensure optimal utilisation in line with planning standards.

Dr. Olumide noted that the absence of proper documentation had previously led to cleared spaces being left idle or re-encroached upon. He revealed that Lagos State has an estimated 3,000 hectares of informal spaces, stressing the need for deliberate planning to enhance environmental quality and sustainable urban development.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, described informal spaces as valuable and limited natural resources often wrongly perceived as belonging to no one. He emphasised that proper planning would improve environmental aesthetics and productive use of such areas.

Other stakeholders, including representatives from the Lagos State Sports Commission and LASEPA, expressed readiness to collaborate, highlighting opportunities for youth engagement, recycling initiatives, and public sanitation facilities within identified informal spaces.