The Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Aremu Akiolu, has endorsed the Lagos State Government’s initiative to regulate and manage informal spaces across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that the royal backing followed a strategic engagement held at the Lagos Palace with officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, led a high-level delegation to brief the monarch on the Setbacks, Common Areas, Roadsides Administration and Monitoring Project (SCRAMP).
SCRAMP is designed as a comprehensive programme to document, plan and sustainably manage informal spaces statewide.
The visit forms part of the government’s stakeholder engagement strategy to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions and local communities.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Olumide stressed the importance of community participation in physical planning.
He said sustainable urban development requires shared responsibility between government and grassroots stakeholders.
According to him, SCRAMP will ensure setbacks, roadsides and common areas are properly identified and documented.
He added that the initiative will promote safety, environmental sustainability and economic productivity.
Olumide assured that structured control of informal spaces would be guided by inclusivity and sensitivity to livelihoods.
In his response, Oba Akiolu expressed satisfaction with the initiative and pledged full cooperation.
He particularly assured support within the historic communities of Isale-Eko.
The monarch noted the importance of structured land use and sustainable urban management in heritage areas.
Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire, said the programme would enhance environmental aesthetics.
He added that proper planning of setbacks would boost productivity and urban orderliness.
General Manager of the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority (LASISMA), Tpl. Daisi Oso, highlighted the agency’s statutory role in regulating informal operators.
He stressed that coordination is critical to safety and economic sustainability in Lagos’ expanding urban landscape.
Chief Executive Officer of Octragon Multi-Projects Limited, Engr. Gbolahan Awonusi, explained that the consultancy will document informal spaces in line with global best practices.
Other officials present included representatives of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority and senior advisers to the Commissioner.
The engagement underscores the state government’s commitment to inclusive urban governance and sustainable public space management.
