By: Tijani Salako.

The Lagos State Government has commenced an on-site assessment of informal spaces across key corridors of the state as part of efforts to regulate and sustainably manage such areas.

Recall that the state government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, had earlier announced plans to engage civil society organisations and other stakeholders to address the growing challenge of informal spaces across Lagos, also stating that decisive steps would be taken to regulate and administer these spaces in line with its physical planning mandate.

On Friday, the ministry formally began the on-site assessment exercise, starting with the Lekki–Ajah axis. The initiative is aimed at ensuring orderly, safe, and sustainable management of informal spaces across the state.

The assessment was led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Survey Matters, Surveyor Ayokunnu Adesina; the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire; the General Manager of the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA); and the Chief Executive Officer of OCTRAGON, Engr. Gbolahan Awonusi.

Addressing stakeholders during the inspection, Dr. Olumide said the exercise signalled the state government’s determination to transform informal spaces into more organised, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly areas.

He explained that Lagos was deliberately taking control of its informal spaces to reposition them in line with global best practices and make them comparable with those in other leading cities of the world.

According to the commissioner, the assessment would guide the development of practical prototypes to be deployed in pilot corridors. He added that OCTRAGON, as a private-sector partner, is collaborating with the state government to ensure the orderly and sustainable management of such spaces.

The commissioner noted that informal spaces include road setbacks, walkways, drainage corridors, areas under bridges, road medians, and undeveloped government land spaces never intended for permanent commercial or residential use.

Dr. Olumide stressed that effective management of these areas is critical to mobility, public safety, urban aesthetics, and environmental protection. He added that Lagos must optimise every available space to meet the demands of rapid urbanisation and population growth.

“In Lagos, every square metre of land matters, as we are the smallest state in the country by landmass, yet face intense urban and population pressure,” he said.

The on-site assessment marks another strategic step by the Lagos State Government toward integrated urban development, improved liveability, and the creation of a resilient, well-planned megacity.