The Lagos State Government says it plans to shape the future of the state as a sustainable, well-coordinated megacity through its upcoming two-day Physical Planning summit.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Olumide Oluyinka, said this in Lagos, after a roadshow aimed at promoting the summit scheduled for Oct. 15 and Oct. 16 at Eko Hotel, in Lagos.
The sensitisation roadshow was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) at Ikeja and its environs on Friday, October 11, 2024.
LASPPPA is an agency under the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Oluyinka said the summit, with the theme: “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity”, aims to educate public on the activities, plans and processes in developing Lagos’s master plans.
“Beyond that, we want to be facing reality now, by focusing on the essence of these plans.
“These plans are meant to be implemented within certain period and in line with the set years, like 10 or 20 years.
“Hence the need for us to set targets for ourselves to know what we have achieved within certain stipulated period,” he said.
According to him, the execution of these plans should not be exclusively reserved to the government alone, and as such, the public must be involved in the entire process.
The commissioner added that the ministry, through the summit, was also planning to explore the possibilities of getting foreign investors in the execution and implementation of these plans.
He noted that the future of Lagos as a regional hub depends on the involvement and understanding of all stakeholders, including residents, professionals, and the private sector.
“LASPPPA’s efforts in promoting this event will significantly enhance participation and awareness to the summit.
“The summit is designed to deepen engagement with relevant stakeholders in the built sector.
“It will bring together key stakeholders, including urban planners, architects, developers, and government officials to explore innovative strategies for shaping the future of Lagos as a sustainable, well-coordinated megacity.
“The event which will focus on fostering regional integration, enhancing infrastructure development, and promoting responsible urban growth to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding population,” he said.
In his contribution, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Oluwole Sotire, said that the state government wants all stakeholders in the built sector to appreciate, understand and own the plans, which are for future benefits.
Sotire disclosed that the summit, which is the maiden edition, would now be held annually and reviewed yearly to know and monitor progress made.
The General Manager, LASPPPA, Mr Kehinde Osinaike, also said the summit provides an opportunity to rethink the direction of Lagos development to ensure the state was on track to becoming a fully integrated and sustainable megacity.
On his part, the Head of the Department of Monitoring and Compliance, LASPPPA, Mr Iyiola Olarinde, said the roadshow was organised to complement the media campaigns and also engage directly with residents and businesses across Lagos.
The State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will be the Chief Host of the summit.
Former Governor of Lagos State and past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, is also expected to deliver a keynote address at the event.
By Rukayat Adeyemi
