Lagos State Government, yesterday, assured critical stakeholders that the new urban development policy would revamp the physical planning sector and the economy.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, gave the assurance during the opening ceremony of an agenda-setting workshop towards presentation of the policy in Ikeja, Lagos.
The proposed 30-year policy is expected to cover 2022-2052.
The Guardian learnt that the initiative was in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), African Urban Agenda and National Urban Development Policy, and will ensure resilience in the development of Lagos across all strata by providing a sound legal framework and virile institutions in the physical environment.
Bamgbose-Martins said that the policy would set the right tone for development of the state, taking cognisance of all planning index.
In his remarks, Special Adviser, e-GIS and Planning Matters, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, said the policy would ensure a sustainable future development of Lagos.
He, therefore, urged stakeholders to submit memorandum to the committee, as the initiative is a key reference for legislative reform, which will be backed law.
Also, Chairman, Technical Committee on the policy, Adekunle Salami, who gave a background to the initiative, said the forum would co-create a sustainable and impactful policy/document that will give direction to the growth and development of Lagos State in the next 30 years.
He said the process was in tandem with development agenda of the state.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that we stay together, bonded and create the necessary enablement to ensure that Lagos becomes Africa’s model and modern city. Physical planning ministry cannot do it alone and so all hands must be on deck to achieve the process we are trying to put on ground,” Salami said.
