By: Tijani Salako.

The Lagos State Government has identified over 3,700 hectares of informal urban spaces across more than 1,700 locations under its Setbacks, Common Areas and Roadside Administration and Monitoring Project initiative aimed at restoring order within the built environment.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing in Lagos.

Olumide explained that the initiative, popularly known as SCRAMP, was introduced to address the indiscriminate conversion of setbacks, roadsides, utility corridors and public spaces into illegal structures and unregulated commercial activities.

According to him, the spaces identified include bridge loops, shorelines, rail corridors, power line alignments, broadband infrastructure routes and other public utility areas spread across Lagos State.

He said the exercise became necessary because rapid urbanisation and infrastructure expansion continue to create informal spaces vulnerable to encroachment and abuse.

“As government continues to provide more infrastructure, more informal spaces also emerge. The need to properly document and manage them informed the SCRAMP initiative,” he stated.

The commissioner explained that the project is being implemented through wide consultations and stakeholder engagements to ensure that residents fully understand the objectives of the policy.

He stressed that government does not intend to arbitrarily displace occupants except in situations where such spaces are required for their original public purposes.

“Government does not intend to displace existing occupiers except where such spaces are needed for critical public use,” he said.

Olumide disclosed that intervention plans had already been prepared for several strategic corridors including the AIT Powerline Corridor, Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge, Agric-Isawo axis and Ogolonto-Ipakodo corridor.

The interventions involve reconnaissance surveys, drone mapping, stakeholder consultations, data gathering and preparation of action area plans aimed at preventing encroachment and improving urban orderliness.

The commissioner also highlighted activities of the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority in promoting environmental sustainability and cleaner urban spaces.

According to him, the authority introduced the Lagos Green Kiosk initiative designed to improve urban aesthetics, reduce deforestation and promote renewable energy adoption.

He stated that the initiative has the potential to generate about N1.28 billion annually for the state.

Olumide further disclosed that the government introduced a Hybrid Solar Powered Air Compressor Pumping Machine targeted at reducing air and noise pollution among roadside vulcanisers and artisans.

He linked recurring flooding and environmental challenges in many parts of Lagos to illegal developments, blocked drainage systems and encroachment on approved setbacks and utility corridors.

The commissioner said the state government remains committed to sustainable urbanisation, climate resilience and integrated physical planning as Lagos continues to witness rapid population growth and infrastructure expansion.

He added that strategic planning initiatives currently being implemented are expected to improve environmental sustainability, infrastructure coordination and overall quality of life for residents across the state.