Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, have called for stronger coordination between physical development plans, infrastructure investment and project implementation to promote sustainable urban growth and improve residents’ quality of life.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, gave the charge on Wednesday at the Lagos Physical Planning Summit 2026, held at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.
Speaking on the theme, “Diagnosis to Delivery: Positioning Lagos for Strategic Regional Development and Priority Investment Agenda,” the governor said stakeholders must move beyond preparing plans to establishing clear priorities, funding arrangements and implementation timelines.
“Planning must guide implementation, and implementation must be accountable,” he said, identifying the state’s housing deficit, traffic congestion, overstretched drainage systems and development that sometimes outpaces regulation as challenges requiring urgent attention.
He urged ministries and agencies to work together, align resources with priority projects and establish clear timelines for delivery. Sanwo-Olu cited the completion of the Lagos Island and Ibeju-Lekki Model City Plans, the revised Badagry Master Plan and the introduction of the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System as steps towards more coordinated and transparent development.
The governor also called for transparent development approvals, consistent enforcement of regulations and stronger collaboration with neighbouring states, noting that transport networks, economic activities and environmental challenges often extend beyond state boundaries.
“Most importantly, every major commitment must have a responsible institution, a clear timeline, adequate funding and a way of measuring progress,” he said, adding that responsible investment must create lasting value without leaving the public to bear the cost of inadequate planning.
In his keynote address, Bamidele proposed a Lagos-to-Southwest Spatial Development and Investment Compact to coordinate cross-border infrastructure, economic corridors, environmental protection and investment opportunities.
He called for stronger cooperation among Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states on transportation, housing, industrial development, power infrastructure and tourism.
He also identified the proposed Olokola Deep Sea Port in Ogun State and regional rail expansion as opportunities to boost industrial growth, logistics and trade, while urging the National Assembly to support coordinated infrastructure development through legislation and oversight within its constitutional responsibilities.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olumide Oluyinka, also called for stronger cooperation with neighbouring states and federal institutions to improve connectivity, coordinate infrastructure development and address shared challenges.
He said Lagos could not be planned in isolation from the surrounding region, adding that regional collaboration would help maximise opportunities, reduce duplication and strengthen the state’s position as a major economic hub in Africa.
Oluyinka urged stakeholders to make physical planning more efficient, transparent and responsive to residents and investors by reviewing administrative processes, reducing unnecessary delays and improving coordination among agencies involved in development approvals.
“Digital platforms, transparent procedures, clear service timelines and effective communication with applicants should become central features of our planning administration,” he said.
