The Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority and the Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area have agreed to strengthen enforcement against the illegal occupation of setbacks, walkways and other public spaces amid concerns that some could become hideouts for criminal elements.
The proposed collaboration followed a recent meeting between officials of the Lagos State Informal Space Management Authority, LASISMA, and the leadership of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, according to a statement on the engagement.
The General Manager of LASISMA, Daisi Oso, who led the authority’s delegation, said the partnership would focus on protecting informal urban spaces, incidental open spaces, public institutions’ rights-of-way and other areas designated for public use within the council.
Oso said the management of such spaces could not be left to a single government agency, stressing the need for cooperation among state institutions, local authorities and communities.
He sought the LCDA’s support in “stakeholder sensitisation, data gathering and documentation, enforcement, and compliance with physical planning regulations” as the authority moves to strengthen the management of informal spaces in the area.
The LASISMA boss also raised concerns about the security implications of unchecked encroachment, warning that setbacks and other open spaces could become “hideouts for hoodlums” if their use was not properly regulated.
He said unauthorised activities on public land could undermine “public safety, physical orderliness and the aesthetics of the city”, adding that the government was seeking stronger implementation of physical planning regulations in rapidly developing parts of Lagos.
Beyond enforcement, Oso said the authority was also examining ways to ensure the proper management and regulation of informal spaces, including opportunities for what the statement described as revenue optimisation.
The Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Bola Oladunjoye, pledged the council’s support for the proposed collaboration, describing LASISMA’s presentation as “impressive and comprehensive”.
Oladunjoye said managing public spaces required more deliberate planning, particularly in determining appropriate uses for facilities such as car parks, children’s playgrounds and garages.
He said the council was prepared to work with LASISMA to promote peaceful coexistence between residents and businesses while preventing the uncontrolled conversion of public spaces to unauthorised uses.
The chairman also assured the authority of the council’s backing when enforcement became necessary, saying closer collaboration would improve compliance with physical planning regulations and ensure that public spaces were managed in the interest of residents.
The engagement comes as Lagos authorities intensify efforts to reclaim and regulate setbacks, road corridors and other public spaces that have increasingly come under pressure from commercial activities, informal structures and other forms of encroachment.
Both institutions said the proposed partnership would focus on enforcement, public sensitisation and improved coordination, with the aim of promoting “well-planned, safe, orderly, and sustainable urbanisation” within Ikoyi-Obalende.
