The Lagos State Government has launched a new land mapping project aimed at identifying and putting informal lands across the state to better use.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr Sam Egube, spoke on Tuesday at the handing over of three operational vehicles to the Lagos State Informal Space Management Agency (LASISMA).
“The purpose of this unveiling is to let the public know we are beginning a new mapping project for informal spaces across Lagos.
“You are not allowed to use these lands as you please. They must be formally designated for specific purposes. This will help us to organise the city better, ” he said
Sanwo-Olu, that the project aimed to map and define informal land, ensuring that open spaces and setbacks not officially designated for any use were put to more productive and aesthetic use.
He said that a pilot scheme would begin across the state within the next six months, and the informal lands would be mapped, reviewed, and their purpose determined by the state Ministry of Physical Planning.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr Olumide Oluyinka, said that the project was part of the efforts to improve the environment of Lagos and better manage the state’s limited land resources.
“Our land is our oil; so, we must make the best use of every space, even those not formally developed.
“Informal lands may be temporary, but we must know who is using them and for what purpose, as well as ensure they contribute value to the city, ” he said.
He said that the state would still allow legitimate operations such as parks or transport hubs on informal lands but would regulate them properly and require payment for the use.
The commissioner explained that the goal was not to evict people but to ensure better organisation, increased safety and revenue generation for the state.
Also, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olanide Babatunde, said that the project would not end arbitrary use of land and bring order to how public spaces would be used .
”With this project, everyone will know what each space is meant for, so you won’t have someone trying to install a mast on a space meant to be a bus stop, ” he said.
The General Manager of LASISMA, Mr Dasisi Osho, expressed gratitude to the governor for providing the agency with three vehicles to support its operations.
He promised that the agency would put every square meter of Lagos land to the best possible use and transform informal spaces across the state to benefit residents and support the government’s broader development goals.
”These vehicles and tools will help us to move faster and work better. We thank the governor for his support, and promise to put every square metre of Lagos land to the best possible use, ” he said.
