By: Tijani Salako.
The Lagos State Government has entered into a partnership with the Lagos Heritage Urban Group (LHUG) for the implementation of the Lagos Island Model City Plan, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the historical heritage of Lagos Island and driving sustainable urban renewal.
The Director of Public Affairs of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Titilayo Oshodi-Eko, disclosed this in a statement shared after a stakeholders’ meeting held at Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, noted that Lagos State remained committed to the continuous review of its Master Plans, Model City Plans and other physical development plans to ensure that urban growth was properly guided and effectively managed.
He emphasised that the existence of these plans placed a responsibility on all stakeholders to ensure their effective implementation, stressing that the State could no longer afford to allow development to proceed without adequate planning.
The Commissioner further explained that the phenomenal growth of Lagos, driven largely by the influx of people from different parts of Nigeria, required a broader regional planning approach and increased collaboration with the private sector.
According to him, sustainable urban development could not be achieved by the government alone, making it imperative for private investors, property owners, families and other stakeholders to work together towards a common goal.
He stated, “For us to have peace in Lagos State, we must expand our planning beyond Lagos. The growth of Lagos is phenomenal because of the influx of people from all over Nigeria. We must open up our plans to the private sector. Government alone cannot do it, and whether we like it or not, we must develop.”
Speaking on the need to preserve the historical identity of Lagos Island while embracing modern development, Olumide stressed that heritage conservation must remain an integral part of urban renewal.
“Development has its history, and heritage buildings must be preserved. History is the basis for developing into the future,” he said.
The Commissioner also advocated land pooling as a viable strategy for unlocking the development potential of Lagos Island. He encouraged families with adjoining parcels of land to collaborate, consolidate their properties and explore vertical development in line with approved planning standards.
He described Lagos Island as a valuable economic asset whose potential could be maximised through strategic investment and collective action.
“We are sitting on a goldmine; let us be ready to turn it into actual gold,” he remarked.
Olumide further stressed the importance of securing the support of families and property developers, noting that the government’s responsibility was to provide an enabling environment for sustainable development.
He explained that, subject to applicable planning regulations and site-specific requirements, a 600-square-metre parcel of land could accommodate a building of up to 10 floors. He therefore encouraged families to engage competent developers and explore mutually beneficial partnerships that would promote efficient land use and improved urban infrastructure.
The former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Francisco Abosede, lent his support to the initiative, recalling that several development plans had previously been prepared for Lagos Island.
He noted that the land pooling initiative was adopted during his tenure as Commissioner and cited the construction of an 11-storey building as an example of the development opportunities that could be realised through strategic planning.
Abosede observed that the consolidation of landholdings by four families, for instance, could offer significant comparative advantages by creating opportunities for more viable and coordinated development.
Also speaking, High Chief Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Erelu Oodua of Lagos, called for sustained advocacy to educate families and property owners on the benefits of collaborative development.
She described Lagos Island as a beautiful kingdom with enormous potential for further transformation, stressing that collective action could facilitate the provision of essential infrastructure and amenities while enhancing the area’s overall appeal.
According to her, bringing families together to pursue coordinated development was a valuable investment that could contribute to the realisation of the Lagos Island Model City Plan.
In her remarks, Mrs Yemisi Ransom-Kuti explained that the Lagos Heritage Urban Group was established following the launch of the Lagos Island Model City Plan in March 2025.
She noted that the Group was established to move discussions beyond the formulation of plans to actual implementation, with a focus on protecting the historical heritage and architectural identity of Lagos Island while transforming it into a modern, functional and sustainable urban centre that residents and stakeholders could be proud of.
Ransom-Kuti emphasised the need to translate the vision of the Model City Plan into practical actions that would preserve the Island’s unique character while supporting its future growth and development.
Earlier, the Director of Regional and Master Plans, Tpl. Semiu Shobowale, disclosed that the State had commenced preliminary activities towards the implementation of the plan.
He explained that issues identified during the planning process would be collated and reviewed as part of the preparatory work, adding that a rehearsal exercise would be conducted ahead of the full implementation of the plan.
The meeting was attended by prominent sons and daughters of Lagos Island, as well as other stakeholders who expressed their readiness to support the initiative and contribute to the preservation, regeneration and sustainable development of the historic Island.
