Lagos initiative to regulate informal spaces receives Oba Akiolu’s blessings
Nike Popoola
The Lagos State Government’s initiative to regulate and properly manage informal spaces has received the endorsement of the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, following a strategic engagement at the Lagos Palace.
The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, led a high-level delegation from the Ministry to brief the revered monarch on the Setbacks, Common Areas, Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP) – a comprehensive programme aimed at documenting, planning and sustainably managing informal spaces across the State.
Chief Public Affairs Officer, Kehinde-Akinsanya Adetola, said the visit formed part of the Government’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions and local communities in advancing orderly urban development.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Olumide underscored the importance of community participation in physical planning, noting that sustainable urban management required shared responsibility between government and grassroots stakeholders.
He explained that SCRAMP was designed to ensure that setbacks, roadsides, and common areas were properly identified, documented, and utilised in ways that promote safety, environmental sustainability, and economic productivity.
He emphasised that while the government intended to take structured control of informal spaces, such action would be guided by inclusivity, sensitivity to livelihood, and alignment with approved planning standards.
In his response, Oba Akiolu expressed satisfaction with the initiative and pledged the cooperation of the traditional institution in ensuring its success, 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 stated.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire noted that the programme would enhance environmental aesthetics and demonstrate how setbacks and informal spaces can be properly planned and productively managed.
The General Manager, Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), Tpl. Daisi Oso highlighted the statutory role of the Agency in coordinating and regulating informal spaces, particularly as it relates to informal business operators.
He stressed that proper coordination was essential to ensuring orderliness, safety, and economic sustainability within Lagos’ rapidly expanding urban environment.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Octragon Multi-Projects Limited, Engr. Gbolahan Awonusi explained that the consultancy’s mandate was to comprehensively document informal spaces across Lagos State and ensure their optimal utilisation in line with international best practices, ultimately enhancing the quality of life of residents.
The delegation also included the General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Physical Planning, Mr. Adeniyi Owolabi, the Special Adviser to the Honourable Commissioner, Tpl. Razak Elegbede and other senior officials.
The engagement underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to inclusive urban governance, preservation of cultural heritage, and the sustainable management of public spaces across the State.
