The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, hosted the inaugural meeting of South West Commissioners for Physical Planning and Urban Development in Lagos.
Eko Hot News reports that the meeting, held at the Protea Select Hotel Alausa, brought together commissioners from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo States. It also featured representatives from the DAWN Commission and the South West Development Commission.
The one-day engagement focused on strengthening regional integration through coordinated planning and sustainable land governance. It attracted urban planners, government officials, and development experts from across the South West region.
Speaking at the event, Olumide explained that the meeting aimed to promote collaboration among states as a pathway to sustainable development. He noted that regional cooperation is essential for addressing shared urban challenges.
He highlighted the rapid pace of urbanisation in the South West, pointing to issues such as population growth, infrastructure gaps, and housing shortages. According to him, these challenges require a unified and coordinated approach.
Olumide added that the meeting builds on discussions from the Lagos Physical Planning Summit 2024, which focused on creating a more integrated megacity vision. He stressed that the South West must be treated as a connected economic and physical region.
Key areas identified for collaboration include cross-border land use management, shared waste systems, and improved regional transportation networks. These measures are expected to enhance efficiency and promote economic growth.
Commissioners from participating states commended the initiative and acknowledged the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in promoting regional cooperation. They expressed support for continued collaboration.
The Permanent Secretary, Oluwole Sotire, reiterated the importance of implementing resolutions from previous planning summits. He also announced the upcoming Lagos Physical Planning Summit 2.0 scheduled for June.
At the end of the meeting, participants agreed on several key resolutions to guide future actions. These include prioritising regional integration as a central strategy for sustainable development.
They also agreed to strengthen institutional frameworks that support coordinated planning while maintaining state independence. A unified regional development framework is expected to promote policy alignment.
Another major resolution is the development of a comprehensive Western Region Master Plan. This plan will align infrastructure projects such as roads, rail systems, and economic corridors across the region.
Participants further agreed on the need for a coordinated regional mechanism to harmonise policies and implementation. This may include the creation of a Southwest Regional Planning and Development Coordination Authority.
The meeting also emphasised integrating infrastructure planning with physical development. Priority areas include transport corridors, coastal roads, and improved inter-state connectivity.
The inaugural meeting marks a significant step toward building a more integrated and sustainable South West region. It reflects a shared commitment to long-term planning and economic development.
