By: Tijani Salako.

The Lagos State Government’s in a strategic move to regulate and properly manage informal spaces has received the endorsement of the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, following a strategic meeting at the Lagos Palace.

This was made available to journalists in a press statement that was signed by the chief public affairs officer Mrs Kehinde Akinsanya Adetola, emphasising on the need for traditional institutions back up.

The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, led a delegation from the ministry to brief the monarch on the Setbacks, Common Areas, Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP) as the initiative is a comprehensive programme aimed at documenting, planning and sustainably managing informal spaces across the state.

The engagement forms part of the government’s broader stakeholder consultation drive designed to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions and local communities in promoting orderly urban development.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr Olumide stressed that sustainable urban management requires shared responsibility between government and grassroots stakeholders. He explained that SCRAMP is structured to ensure that setbacks, roadsides and common areas are properly identified, documented and utilised in ways that enhance safety, environmental sustainability and economic productivity.

While noting that the government intends to take structured control of informal spaces, the commissioner assured that implementation would be guided by inclusivity, sensitivity to livelihoods and strict adherence to approved planning standards.

In his response, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu expressed satisfaction with the initiative and pledged the support of the traditional institution, particularly within the historic communities of Isale-Eko.

“We recognise the importance of structured land use, compliance and sustainable urban management, especially within our heritage communities. We are pleased to partner with the Lagos State Government on this initiative,” the monarch said.

However, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, also added that the programme would improve environmental aesthetics and demonstrate how setbacks and informal spaces can be properly planned and productively managed.

Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), Tpl. Daisi Oso, highlighted the agency’s statutory responsibility in coordinating and regulating informal spaces, particularly those used by informal business operators.

He noted that effective coordination is crucial to ensuring orderliness, safety and economic sustainability in Lagos’ rapidly expanding urban environment.

The Chief Executive Officer of Octragon Multi-Projects Limited, Engr. Gbolahan Awonusi, added that the consultancy firm has been mandated to comprehensively document informal spaces across the state and ensure their optimal utilisation in line with international best practices.

Other officials present at the meeting included the General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Physical Planning, Mr. Adeniyi Owolabi; and the Special Adviser to the Commissioner, Tpl. Razak Elegbede.

The engagement underscores the state government’s commitment to inclusive urban governance, preservation of cultural heritage and the sustainable management of public spaces across Lagos.