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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and a former governor of the state, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), will be leading discussions at a two-day summit planned by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority.
While the governor will be the Chief Host, Fashola, who is also a former Minister of Works and Housing, is expected to bring his wealth of experience in urban planning and infrastructure development to bear as the keynote presenter at the event.
The summit, with the theme “Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity,” according to LASPPPA spokesperson, Umeh Abimbola, is designed to deepen engagement with relevant stakeholders in the built sector.
Ambimbola stated that the summit, scheduled for October 15 to 16, 2024, at Eko Hotels & Suites, aims to bring together stakeholders, including urban planners, architects, developers, and government officials, to explore innovative strategies for shaping the future of Lagos as a sustainable, well-coordinated megacity.
“The event, which will focus on fostering regional integration, enhancing infrastructure development, and promoting responsible urban growth to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding population, was preceded with a sensitisation roadshow on Thursday in Ikeja,” the spokesperson said in a statement obtained Sunday.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, who received LASPPPA officials in his office during the roadshow, alongside the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Oluwole Sotire, commended the agency for its proactive approach to public engagement.
On the planned summit, Oluyinka said, “We want the populace to have a deeper understanding of all our activities – plans and processes of developing our master plans.
“Beyond that, we want to be facing reality now by focusing on the essence of these plans. They are meant to be implemented within a certain period and in line with the set years like 10 or 20 years. Hence, the need for us to set targets for ourselves to know what we have achieved within a certain stipulated period.
“The future of Lagos as a regional hub depends on the involvement and understanding of all stakeholders, including residents, professionals, and the private sector. LASPPPA’s efforts in promoting this event will significantly enhance participation and awareness,” the Commissioner said.
The Permanent Secretary, Sotire, stated that the state government wanted all stakeholders in the built sector to appreciate, understand, and own the plans, which according to him are for the future.
The General Manager of LASPPPA, Kehinde Osinaike, also emphasised the importance of the summit in shaping the future of Lagos.
Oluyinka at a news conference in Ikeja, last Wednesday, expressed concern over the significant number of unapproved constructions, outlining strategies in view by the state government to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
“Our current building approval rate in Lagos is under 25 per cent, which is significantly lower than the national average of 18 to 28 per cent, with the highest being 32 per cent,” the commissioner said.
