By Abbas Nazil
The Lagos State Government has begun an extensive on-site assessment of informal spaces across major corridors, starting with the Lekki–Ajah axis, to promote safe, organised, and sustainable urban development.
The initiative forms part of the state’s broader strategy to improve land use management and address the challenges created by rapid urbanisation.
The inspection exercise was led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, alongside senior government officials and private-sector partners.
Those present included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Survey Matters, Ayokunnu Adesina, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Physical Planning, Oluwole Sotire, the General Manager of the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority, and the Chief Executive Officer of OCTRAGON, Gbolahan Awonusi.
Officials toured key informal activity zones along the corridor to evaluate existing conditions and identify areas requiring intervention.
Dr. Olumide explained that the physical inspection demonstrated the government’s commitment to transforming informal spaces into functional and well-managed urban assets.
He noted that Lagos was intentionally reclaiming control of such spaces to align them with global urban management standards.
According to him, properly planned informal spaces can contribute positively to city life when managed in an orderly and structured manner.
The commissioner said findings from the assessment would guide the design of practical prototypes to be tested in selected pilot corridors.
He added that the partnership with OCTRAGON was aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability through private-sector expertise and innovation.
Dr. Olumide stressed that informal space management plays a vital role in mobility, public safety, environmental protection, and the overall appearance of the city.
He stated that poor organisation of these areas often contributes to traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and safety risks.
The commissioner emphasised that Lagos must maximise every available portion of land due to its limited size and growing population pressure.
He described the state as the smallest in Nigeria by landmass but one of the most densely populated.
According to him, effective spatial planning is essential to meeting the demands of continuous migration and economic activity.
Officials said the exercise would also help strengthen coordination among agencies responsible for land administration and urban control.
The assessment is expected to provide reliable data for future policy decisions and infrastructure planning.
Government representatives noted that orderly informal spaces can support livelihoods while maintaining environmental and planning standards.
They added that the project aligns with Lagos’ long-term vision of becoming a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive megacity.
Residents and business operators within the assessed corridors are expected to benefit from clearer regulations and improved infrastructure.
The on-site inspection marks another strategic step in the state’s drive toward integrated urban development and enhanced liveability.
Authorities reaffirmed that the exercise would be expanded to other parts of the state in subsequent phases.
The Lagos State Government said it remains committed to balancing economic activities with environmental sustainability and urban order.
