By: Tijani Salako.
The Lagos State Government has commenced the documentation of informal urban spaces across the state under its Setbacks, Common Areas and Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP), requiring existing occupants and prospective users of such spaces to present documents for verification.
The Lagos State Government has commenced the documentation of informal urban spaces across the state as part of efforts to improve land administration, protect public infrastructure and promote orderly urban development.
The exercise, being carried out through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development under the Setbacks, Common Areas and Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP), was announced in a public notice signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Tpl. Olayinka Wasiu Adebayo.
According to the notice, the initiative is in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019 (as amended), and is aimed at safeguarding land required for present and future infrastructure projects while ensuring orderly physical development across the state.
The government said it had engaged Octragon Multi-Projects Limited to undertake the identification, documentation and management of setbacks, common areas, roadsides and other informal urban spaces in collaboration with the Lagos State Informal Management Authority (LASISMA).
It explained that the exercise is intended to address indiscriminate occupation, illegal conversion and unregulated use of public spaces, which undermine approved physical development plans and the urban environment.
The state government disclosed that more than 1,700 SCRAMP locations had been mapped across Lagos, following months of stakeholder engagement and public sensitisation. It added that the documentation phase would provide an accurate inventory of informal spaces and establish a framework for their effective management, harmonisation and optimal utilisation.
As part of the exercise, existing occupants and users of informal spaces will be given the right of first refusal, subject to compliance with applicable guidelines and verification of their claims.
The government also invited individuals, organisations and businesses seeking temporary occupation, licences or other approved forms of use of identified informal spaces to submit applications through the SCRAMP portal or designated offices across the state.
It directed existing users of setbacks, common areas, roadsides and other informal spaces to present documents supporting their occupation or use for verification.
The government urged residents and stakeholders to cooperate with the exercise, saying it is designed to promote orderly urban development, protect public infrastructure, enhance environmental sustainability and ensure the optimal use of public spaces.
The initiative forms part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen physical planning and regulate the use of public spaces in line with its urban development objectives.
