Lagos residents urged to participate in infrastructure development

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, has urged residents to engage actively in infrastructural development initiatives across the state.

Omotosho, represented by Odumade Mobolaji, made the call during the Citizens Accountability and Rights Forum (CARF), a monthly roundtable organised by the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in collaboration with the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL).

Themed “Relevance and roles of citizens in infrastructural development in Lagos,” the forum provided an interactive platform for stakeholders to discuss public policy and its execution in the state.

Addressing participants, Omotosho stressed the importance of citizen participation in infrastructure decision-making processes, saying it ensures that projects align with public interests.

“We should not sit back and say it is the government’s project. Ultimately, these projects benefit the community,” he said, urging citizens to engage with and support government initiatives. He added, “Don’t hesitate to speak out and hold us accountable when we fall short.”

In his address, the Special Adviser for Political, Legislative, and Civil Engagement, Dr Abiodun Tajudeen, appealed to residents to help safeguard public infrastructure, noting concerns over vandalism.

Tajudeen disclosed that over 60 new roads are slated for commissioning in November, a move expected to enhance connectivity and economic activities across Lagos.

Debo Adeniran, President of CDHR and Chairman of CACOL, described infrastructural development in Lagos as a dynamic process essential to meet the demands of the city’s 20 million residents.

He highlighted the pressures from population growth, urbanisation, and environmental concerns and called for a focus on urban planning and public-private partnerships to secure sustainable growth.

Adeniran urged citizens to participate in infrastructural development through advocacy, awareness, and direct feedback.

“Citizens can advocate for necessary projects, raise awareness on road safety, transportation needs, and environmental concerns,” he said. He added that public consultations and forums are essential to ensure community needs are met in planning.